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CHI

Ben Johnson

Head Coach, Chicago Bears

Head Coach

Calling plays for CHI since 2025

Play-calling authority

96%

Architect and caller with total control — his coordinators don't call plays (Declan Doyle had to leave for Baltimore to get a call sheet). Ranked a top-3 caller in 2026 league-wide roundups after a playoff debut season.

Tendencies

Pace~28.6 sec/play with weaponized situational tempo — shifts to fast spread no-huddle when trailing
Early downsRun-first: -3.9% PROE and 3rd in rushing yards, but paired with heavy play-action
Target treeModerately spread: Odunze ~101 targets, DJ Moore next, TE Loveland surging (~30% playoff target share)
SlotInterior weapons featured: Loveland and Burden work inside, echoing his St. Brown slot funnel in Detroit
Motion~61% motion rate, among the NFL's very highest; constant shifts, jet and orbit action
Red zoneRun-lean at the goal line; Loveland featured in the red zone; famously creative gadget TDs
AlsoHighest play-action rate in the division (~20%), lowest shotgun rate, 2nd in NFL explosive plays
Who benefitsYAC/motion WRs, move TEs, slot weapons, committee backs in a big-play run game

Based on: 2025 Chicago offense (plus Detroit 2022-24)

Career

  1. Chicago BearsHead Coach2025–
    Called plays11-6 and first NFC North title since 2018 in year one
  2. Detroit LionsOffensive Coordinator2022–2024
    Called playsPerennial top-5 offenses, incl. the NFL's No. 1 scoring offense in 2024
  3. Detroit LionsQC / TE Coach / Passing Game Coordinator2019–2021
  4. Miami DolphinsOffensive Assistant → WR Coach2012–2018

Based on press coverage and public perception. Updated July 9, 2026.