NFL’s Top Coaching Talent Secures Position with Controversial No. 1 Pick

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The hottest name of this year’s NFL hiring cycle is off the market.

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Detroit Lions offensive co-ordinator Ben Johnson is set to take the vacant Chicago Bears head coaching job according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Not even 48 hours after the Lions’ season was ended by the Washington Commanders in a Divisional Round playoff game, Johnson has made a decision on his future.

The 38-year-old will land in Chicago today to finalise the deal with Detroit’s fierce division rivals.

Johnson had been a hot name in coaching circles the past two seasons, but passed on head-coaching opportunities — including with the Commanders last season.

Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had an up-and-down rookie season as the team went 5-12.

“Selfishly, I want an offensive-minded guy so I can build with him and be with that coach for the next 19, 17, 15 years, and so I can also learn and grow and things like that from him and what he’s seen and what he’s gone through with other QBs or been around,” Williams said last week on the St. Brown podcast.

For long suffering Bears fans, the Johnson hire is hopefully a step in the right direction.

Chicago fired former coach Matt Eberflus in November following ten straight losses and a string of poor game management decisions.

Johnson has done wonders for current Lions QB Jared Goff and under his guidance, Detroit led the league in points this past season.

Lions defensive co-ordinator Aaron Glenn is also expected to land a head-coaching job in the coming days.

The former cornerback is having a second interview with the Jets and is also expected to have a second one with the Saints.

“We’ve got guys on staff that are more than qualified to be outstanding in those roles, but that does not mean I’m not looking outside either,” Campbell said of the potential of reworking his staff without Johnson and Glenn.

“I want what I believe is going to be as close to what we have been as possible. We don’t lose what we’re about and our identity. We’re gonna stay true to who we are.”

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 18: Defensive co-ordinator Aaron Glenn of the Detroit Lions looks on during the first quarter against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Schefter reported that Johnson is assembling “a star-studded coaching staff” that is expected to include former Saints coach Dennis Allen as defensive co-ordinator.

Johnson was the second hiring of the coaching cycle with the Patriots locking in Mike Vrabel last week.

The Cowboys, Saints, Jets, Jaguars and Raiders still have openings.

The Lions’ season ended on Saturday night when a brilliant 15-2 regular season was spoiled by a Divisional Round loss to the Commanders.