An NFL head coach apparently had plans for Ben Johnson that went far beyond his current offensive expertise.

Johnson has established himself as one of the most effective offensive minds in the league since assuming play-calling duties for Detroit. Yet one head coach reportedly believed Johnson had the skill set to thrive on defense as well.

The idea of Ben Johnson as a rising defensive coordinator might sound unexpected — but not everyone in the league thought it was far-fetched.

As for the writer, Jerry Markarian, he has followed the Chicago Bears passionately since 2010 and began covering the team professionally in 2022. Over the years, he has endured everything from the 2010 NFC title loss and the heartbreaking end of Johnny Knox’s career to the infamous Double Doink, the highs and lows of quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky and Justin Fields, and the turmoil of the Bears’ 2024 season. Through it all, his loyalty to the team remains unwavering.