Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is still wrapping his head around former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson becoming the head coach of the Chicago Bears—yes, that division rival.
In a recent appearance on The Green Light with Chris Long podcast, Holmes opened up about the move. While he made it clear he’s happy for Johnson and believes the Bears got a great coach, he didn’t exactly hide his surprise—and mild disappointment—that it was Chicago who landed him.
“I was thinking Chicago would’ve probably been the last destination—or I was probably hoping that,” Holmes said. “I didn’t even know it was happening until he accepted the job.”
Johnson was the mastermind behind one of the most explosive offenses in Lions history, helping Jared Goff post three straight seasons with over 4,400 passing yards from 2022 to 2024. Under Johnson, the Lions finished top five in both total yards and points scored three years in a row—something Detroit hadn’t done since the 1950s.
Now, Johnson is tasked with developing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and reviving the Bears, while the Lions are left replacing not one, but two coordinators. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn left for the Jets head coaching gig, and now Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell are turning to John Morton to keep the offense rolling.
Morton isn’t a stranger—he was on Detroit’s staff in 2022 and recently worked as passing game coordinator for the Broncos. Holmes expects some tweaks, but no drastic overhaul, saying Campbell is still heavily involved in shaping the offense.
“There’s going to be some evolution there,” Holmes said, “but that was going to happen with or without Ben.”
As for watching Johnson on the Bears sideline this fall? It’s safe to say it’ll be a little bittersweet for Holmes—and probably plenty of Lions fans too.
