BREAKING NEWS: Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is reportedly targeting the return of Bears head coach Ben Johnson to rejoin the Lions as offensive coordinator under head coach Dan Campbell. Holmes has expressed a great deal of admiration for the work Johnson has done with the Chicago Bears’ offense and believes that Johnson’s expertise and vision could help take the Lions’ offensive unit to the next level.
Johnson, who had previously served as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, was known for his innovative approach and ability to get the most out of his players, and his success in Chicago has only heightened the excitement about the possibility of his return. Holmes, who has overseen a number of moves aimed at building a competitive team in Detroit, sees Johnson as a key figure in the Lions’ ongoing efforts to build a high-powered, dynamic offense capable of competing at the highest levels.
The potential return of Ben Johnson has sparked significant speculation and excitement within the Lions organization, with many fans and analysts eager to see how he would work alongside Dan Campbell. Under Campbell’s leadership, the Lions have taken significant strides forward, showing improvement on both sides of the ball. However, it is clear that the team is still looking for that extra push to truly compete in the NFC. The offensive struggles, in particular, have been a major focal point, and bringing Johnson back into the fold would be seen as a move to address those concerns.
Johnson has a reputation for being a coach who excels at designing creative plays and scheming effective offenses that make use of all available weapons. His ability to maximize the talents of his players and adapt to different situations could be exactly what the Lions need to take their offense from a middle-of-the-pack unit to one capable of dominating opponents.
Ben Johnson’s time with the Bears has only increased his stock as an offensive mind. During his time in Chicago, he has worked closely with young quarterback Justin Fields, helping to unlock the full potential of the mobile signal-caller. Fields, who had faced criticism for his inconsistent play early in his career, has seen significant improvement under Johnson’s tutelage. The Bears’ offense, which had previously struggled to find an identity, has become much more dynamic and effective in recent seasons.
Johnson’s ability to adjust his offensive scheme to fit the strengths of his quarterback and skill players has been a major factor in Chicago’s offensive growth. Now, with his success in Chicago, Johnson has become one of the hottest coaching commodities in the league, with teams like the Lions eager to bring him back into the fold. Holmes and the Lions front office know that bringing Johnson back would be a major coup for their offensive plans and could be the missing piece to elevate the team’s overall performance.
For Detroit, the prospect of reuniting Johnson with Campbell is particularly appealing given the chemistry the two coaches built during their previous time together. Johnson was an integral part of the Lions’ coaching staff during the 2021 season, and his ability to work with Campbell’s philosophy was a key reason why the Lions offense was able to show significant improvement. With Campbell known for his tough, gritty approach to football, having an offensive coordinator who can complement that mentality with an innovative, high-octane offensive scheme would be a perfect match.
The Lions are a team that thrives on physicality and determination, but they have lacked consistency and explosiveness on offense in recent years. The hope is that Johnson’s ability to bring creativity and adaptability to the table would help to balance that physical style with the kind of high-scoring offense needed to compete with the best teams in the NFC. If Johnson were to return, it could signal a new era of offensive football for the Lions, one that embraces both toughness and ingenuity.
The Lions have invested heavily in their offensive line in recent years, with the goal of providing their quarterbacks and running backs with a strong foundation. The team has also surrounded quarterback Jared Goff with playmakers, including dynamic wide receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back DeAndre Swift. However, despite these pieces, the Lions’ offense has often failed to put together consistent performances, especially in critical moments. Johnson’s return would offer the opportunity to fine-tune the offensive scheme to better maximize the strengths of these playmakers and, crucially, make Goff more comfortable in the pocket.
Johnson has a proven track record of working with quarterbacks of all styles, and his ability to scheme open passing lanes, create mismatches with motion and shifts, and get the ball into the hands of his playmakers in space could transform the Lions’ offense into a much more potent force.
Beyond just the X’s and O’s, Johnson’s leadership style would also be a great asset to the Lions. Johnson is known for his ability to connect with his players and build strong relationships that foster trust and camaraderie. His calm yet confident demeanor allows him to lead by example and encourage his players to perform at their best. In the high-pressure environment of the NFL, especially for young players who are still developing their skills, having a coach who is both a strategist and a motivator is invaluable.
Johnson’s ability to communicate his vision for the offense and bring out the best in his players is one of the reasons he has become such a respected figure in the coaching world. The Lions, who are still in the process of rebuilding their team and culture, would benefit greatly from Johnson’s leadership qualities, which could help them build a cohesive, focused, and effective offense that complements their defense.
The move to bring Ben Johnson back into the fold would also signify a commitment from the Lions’ front office to do whatever it takes to make the team a legitimate contender in the NFC North. The division has been competitive in recent years, with the Green Bay Packers remaining a perennial powerhouse and the Minnesota Vikings posing a consistent challenge. The Lions, however, have struggled to find consistency, especially on offense.
By bringing in a coach with the pedigree and track record that Johnson has developed in recent years, the Lions would be signaling their intent to push forward aggressively. It’s clear that with the right leadership, the Lions have the potential to build a balanced team capable of competing for division titles and deep playoff runs in the near future. Rebuilding a team isn’t just about draft picks and free-agent acquisitions—it’s also about coaching, and the Lions have made it clear that they are willing to make bold moves to elevate their team.
The impact of Johnson’s return would be felt beyond just the Lions’ offensive game plan. His presence would provide an opportunity for younger offensive players to learn and grow under an experienced coach who has proven his ability to develop talent. Many of the Lions’ young players, including quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and running back DeAndre Swift, could greatly benefit from Johnson’s guidance and tutelage. Developing young talent is a key part of building a sustainable contender, and Johnson’s ability to foster growth in his players is one of his strongest attributes.
A team that has a coach who prioritizes player development, while also implementing an innovative offensive system, is a team that has the potential to grow and compete over the long term.
If this trade inquiry results in the return of Ben Johnson to Detroit, the impact on the Lions’ future could be profound. It would allow the team to revamp its offense, maximize the potential of its existing roster, and create an offensive identity that suits both their current players and their long-term goals. The move would also demonstrate to fans and players alike that the Lions are committed to putting together a competitive, forward-thinking team that can be successful in both the short and long term.
For the fans, bringing back a familiar and highly respected figure like Ben Johnson would provide hope and excitement, knowing that the Lions are taking steps toward creating a balanced, explosive offense that could elevate them to new heights.
