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What every OC can learn from Ben Johnson.

Preston Troyer's avatar
Preston Troyer
Nov 14, 2025
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A year ago, the Bears were one of the worst rushing teams in football.

Fast-forward to now: they’re second in the NFL in rushing yards per game.

So what changed?

Ben Johnson happened.

The former Lions offensive coordinator took over as head coach and instantly brought structure to chaos.

Today we’ll break down how Johnson’s approach turned a struggling running game into one of the league’s most efficient ground attacks.

What Ben Johnson Inherited

We’ve known Ben Johnson’s offenses could hum.

In Detroit, he turned Jared Goff into one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks and helped engineer one of the most balanced attacks in football.

But there was always that lingering question: was it the roster or the play-caller?

Chicago’s early returns have given us the answer.

Johnson didn’t inherit the Lions’ offensive line or their Pro Bowl skill players. Yet just a few months into his tenure, the Bears look organized, creative, and confident in who they are.

Johnson brought his offensive architecture. He didn’t just bring a scheme, he brought a structure. And that structure is what’s turned Chicago from a reactionary offense into one that dictates terms every snap.

The Run Game Engine: Wide Zone

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