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“Wait… Why Chicago?“: Lions GM Still Baffled Over Ben Johnson’s NFC North Jump
It’s not often that an NFL general manager gets truly caught off guard — especially not Brad Holmes, the steady hand steering the Detroit Lions’ ship. But when former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson decided to take his talents down I-94 to coach the Chicago Bears, even Holmes had to pause and wonder aloud: “Why Chicago?”
Holmes Thought He Had It Pegged — He Didn’t
Brad Holmes recently joined Chris Long on the Green Light podcast and opened up about his honest (and surprisingly relatable) reaction to Johnson’s choice of landing spot.
“Obviously, there are multiple jobs that were open that cycle… I knew he had interviewed for Chicago, but he interviewed for a lot of the other positions, too.”
That’s GM-speak for “I really didn’t think he’d go there.” And who could blame him? With other potentially sunnier, more glamorous NFL destinations in the mix, the idea of Johnson choosing to remain in the same division — coaching a bitter rival — felt like an unexpected twist.
“I was thinking Chicago would’ve probably been the last destination — or I was probably hoping that, probably.”
Classic. A little hopeful GM psychology at play. Holmes was happy for his former coordinator, but he didn’t sugarcoat the surprise.
“A Hell of a Coach” — Even If It Stings
Despite the shock, Holmes had nothing but praise for Johnson:
“I was happy for him, man. I mean, he is a hell of a coach… But yeah, it’s just a little like, man, why Chicago?”
That’s the NFL for you — emotional, competitive, and sometimes confusing. Johnson’s decision puts him right back in the Lions’ orbit, this time from the other sideline. Their first reunion is already circled: Week 2, Sept. 14, at Ford Field.
The Lions Move On — But Not Too Far Off-Script
In Johnson’s place, the Lions turned to a familiar face: John Morton, most recently the Broncos’ pass game coordinator, and someone who already knows Detroit’s offensive DNA.
Morton isn’t just some outsider plug-and-play. He’s Michigan-born, a Western Michigan alum, and spent time with Dan Campbell’s crew back in 2022. Holmes made it clear — this isn’t a tear-down-and-rebuild situation.
“It’s going to be some new wrinkles… But I don’t see a lot of wholesale change.”
Expect the Lions to keep their offensive identity intact, with tweaks driven more by Dan Campbell’s natural desire to evolve than by any staffing turnover.
“That’s how Dan is—just regardless.”
Week 2: Circle It, Highlight It, Book It
Johnson’s Bears will visit Detroit in Week 2, setting up an early NFC North showdown filled with familiar faces and plenty of intrigue. Will Johnson’s insider knowledge give Chicago a leg up? Or will the Lions make him regret picking the Windy City?
Either way, Brad Holmes — like the rest of us — will be watching closely… and probably still muttering “Why Chicago?” under his breath.
Let the NFC North drama begin.