REPORT: According to ESPN, the Chicago Bears have officially hired Ben Johnson.

According to ESPN, the Bears are in the final stages of completing an agreement with Johnson, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Johnson’s reputation as a creative offensive strategist and his role in helping the Lions achieve a much-improved offensive performance in recent seasons made him one of the most sought-after coaching candidates this year.

The Lions’ heartbreaking loss in Saturday’s playoff game appears to have fast-tracked Johnson’s opportunity to step into a head coaching role elsewhere. His contributions to Detroit’s offense this season included designing innovative game plans and maximizing the potential of key players, earning him significant praise across the NFL. Following the loss, Johnson’s name quickly became linked to multiple head coaching vacancies around the league.

Reports from The Athletic’s “Scoop City” newsletter, released on Monday, suggest that Johnson’s schedule for in-person interviews with interested teams will be finalized within the next 24 hours. While Johnson is a top target for several franchises, he is reportedly being selective about the opportunities he pursues.

“So far, three teams — the Raiders, Bears, and Jaguars — have expressed strong interest in him,” the newsletter revealed. “However, Johnson might not meet with all three teams, as he is still determining his next steps. The Raiders, now led by legendary quarterback Tom Brady, are making a particularly aggressive push to bring him in.”

Despite the interest from other teams, it seems the Bears were able to act swiftly and decisively, making an offer that Johnson could not refuse. Chicago has struggled to find consistent success in recent years, but with Johnson’s innovative offensive mindset, they are optimistic about a brighter future.

For the Raiders and Jaguars, this news represents a setback as they continue their search for a head coach capable of elevating their teams. The Raiders, in particular, were reportedly hoping to pair Johnson’s offensive acumen with Tom Brady’s experience as a player.

The Bears’ decision to hire Johnson reflects their commitment to overhauling their offensive strategies and building a system that maximizes the talents of their roster. While the official announcement is expected soon, the news has already generated excitement among Chicago fans who are eager to see how Johnson’s leadership will shape the team moving forward.