Ben Johnson’s recent hiring as head coach of the Chicago Bears marks a significant milestone in NFL coaching history, especially given his departure from the Detroit Lions after their playoff elimination. Johnson steps into an exclusive club, sharing an intriguing historical note with none other than legendary Hall of Fame coach Don Shula. Johnson is the first Lions coordinator to transition directly into a head coaching role since Shula made a similar move decades ago.
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While we aren’t predicting Johnson to replicate Shula’s legendary career, it’s a moment that highlights Detroit’s protracted journey in seeking consistent success since Shula’s departure in 1963 to helm the Baltimore Colts. Shula’s storied coaching career began even before he’d ever led a team, kicking off as a defensive backs coach at both the University of Virginia and the University of Kentucky. His ascent into the NFL commenced with the Lions, where he refined his leadership as the defensive backs coach before advancing to defensive coordinator duties.
It’s worth noting that Shula’s roots in the NFL extend back to his days as a player, donning the colors of the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Colts, and briefly with Washington. His storied playing career overlapped with his time in Detroit, adding an extra layer to his association with the Lions.
On the other hand, Johnson’s path to NFL head coaching positions diverges notably. Unlike Shula, he entered the league not as a player but as a coach.
His journey began at Boston College in 2009. By 2012, Johnson was onboard with the Miami Dolphins, initially as an offensive assistant, eventually working with quarterbacks, tight ends, and wide receivers.
Johnson’s leap from the Dolphins to the Lions in 2019 set the stage for his ascent to head coach of the Bears. It’s a remarkable step, showcasing how tenacity and skill can redefine career trajectories in the NFL. As Johnson takes on this new challenge, fans across the league will be watching closely, curious to see how his coaching philosophy and experience will translate into success for Chicago.