Chicago Bears fans remember the day they hired Ben Johnson as their head coach this past January fondly. It was widely viewed as a potentially franchise-altering decision, which has proven true and then some in his inaugural campaign at the helm.
Johnson wasted no time guiding the Bears to snapping a four-year playoff berth. He's also on the verge of leading them to their first NFC North title since 2018. However, it takes a village to pull off such a dramatic, impressive turnaround this quickly, and the contributions of his subordinates ostensibly haven't gone unnoticed.
CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported that the Bears are "braced for a potential raiding of [their staff] this winter." Chief among the scavengers that could dissect Johnson's cavalry are none other than his previous employer, the Detroit Lions.
Bears could lose key Ben Johnson staffer to Dan Campbell, Lions
The Lions will presumably be looking to replace their current offensive coordinator and Johnson's successor, John Morton, come season's end, as Jones mentions. Chicago has multiple names that may appeal to Campbell roughly 11 months after his protégé brought two Detroit assistants over to the Windy City.
Life comes at you fast, especially in the NFL. Around this time last hiring cycle, Johnson poached wide receivers/assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El and quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett from Campbell and the Lions. Suddenly, the tables may turn as Detroit looks to find a long-term solution to the departure of their burgeoning play-caller-turned-division rival after Morton flopped.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Morton will be one and done for a second stint in Detroit. Being stripped of play-calling duties is (understandably) typically a precursor to dismissal; there's no going back after pulling the corp. With that in mind, Campbell might target one of Johnson's confidants in what would be a damaging full-circle moment for the Bears.
Jones identifies Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, pass game coordinator Press Taylor, running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, and Barrett as potential candidates for promotions. All are uniquely qualified for elevated roles that the Bears conceivably can't offer them, making Morton's situation worth monitoring. His anticipated firing creates a coveted opening to orchestrate one of the league's most prolific scoring units.
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Johnson knows just how appealing working with Campbell and the Lions' outstanding skill position group can be. Having standout signal-caller Jared Goff, electrifying dual-threat running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown helped him get the job in Chicago.