Detroit Lions fans might not want to know about the news Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson received on Thursday night.
Johnson spent the last three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Lions. Following Detroit’s 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, Johnson left the Lions to become the Bears head coach.
The Lions offense was extremely successful in 2024, averaging 424.9 yards per game and 33.2 points per game. Detroit led the league in both of those categories and helped make Johnson the most desirable coaching candidate in this hiring cycle.
New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson won an award
Per the NFL, Johnson earned the Associated Press’s Assistant Coach of the Year Award for 2024.
Johnson’s award came for helping the Bears’ rival amass a 15-2 regular season record, but fans in Chicago can still appreciate that their new head coach won a coveted award. There are good reasons for the Bears to be excited about their new hire.
The award will always be attached to the Lions. But like having the best record in the regular season, it’s an accomplishment Detroit can’t put in a rather shallow trophy case.
