It’s a bitter winter in Detroit. The Lions, once riding high and hopeful, now find themselves staring at another empty postseason calendar. The culprit? Not just a tough loss to the Vikings, but a twist of fate involving their former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, who’s now the architect of the Chicago Bears’ stunning resurgence.
On Christmas Day, the Lions’ playoff dreams were dashed at home by the Minnesota Vikings. The 23-10 defeat not only sent Detroit packing, but handed the Green Bay Packers a playoff spot and, for Lions fans, a lump of coal. Head coach Dan Campbell was blunt in his postgame remarks: “Whenever you lose, it takes a village. Everybody’s involved, including myself. I’m always going to wish I’d given Goff more, those players more.” The effort was there, Campbell insisted, but being “a little off” proved costly all season.
But as Detroit licks its wounds, the NFC North spotlight shifts dramatically to Chicago. Ben Johnson, in just his first year as Bears head coach, has orchestrated a turnaround few saw coming. Last year, Johnson was calling plays for the Lions, helping them reach heights the franchise hadn’t touched in years. Now, he’s led the Bears to clinch the division title—their first in seven years—and a coveted playoff berth. The Bears locked up the No. 1 spot after the Packers dropped their game to the Ravens, making the victory all the more satisfying for Chicago’s faithful.
What’s the secret behind Johnson’s immediate success? According to Bear Goggles On, it started in the offseason. Johnson and Bears general manager Ryan Poles went to work on an offensive line overhaul, bringing in four new starters who weren’t on the roster in 2024. The result: after a rocky 0-2 start, the Bears surged, winning 11 of their last 13 games. The media had written them off, but Johnson’s team refused to fold. Now, they’re preparing for the playoffs while Detroit watches from home.
Johnson’s leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed by his peers. Ahead of a high-stakes matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, Johnson was quick to praise the 49ers’ “red-hot offense,” led by head coach Kyle Shanahan. “They’re hot right now,” Johnson said, noting the talent of playmakers like George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, and quarterback Brock Purdy. “We’ve got to be on our mess,” he emphasized, signaling a healthy respect for the challenge ahead.
The Bears now find themselves on the national stage, set to battle the 49ers for playoff positioning. It’s a fitting test for Johnson’s rebuilt squad, and a chance to prove their transformation is no fluke. For the Lions, meanwhile, the sting is sharper knowing that their former coach is now the toast of the division. Detroit fans are left to wonder what might have been if Johnson had stayed.
As the 2025 season winds down, one thing is clear: Ben Johnson’s impact on the NFC North has been immediate and profound. His ability to reshape the Bears, instill belief, and deliver results is drawing praise across the league. Whether Chicago can ride this wave deep into the playoffs remains to be seen, but Johnson has already written one of the year’s biggest stories.
Ben Johnson’s journey from Detroit’s offensive coordinator to Chicago’s head coach isn’t just a tale of professional advancement—it’s a lesson in how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. The Lions’ heartbreak is real, but for Bears fans, Johnson’s arrival has sparked hope and revived a storied franchise. For the rest of the league, his success is a reminder that vision and leadership can transform even the most overlooked teams into contenders. Sources: Heavy.com, Bear Goggles On, BearsWire