Long before Ben Johnson became one of the NFL’s most talked-about head coaches, people around the league already believed he was destined for something bigger.

Chicago Bears fans may have first seriously discussed Johnson during last year’s hiring cycle, but his reputation was building well before that. Even prior to his time as Detroit’s offensive coordinator — and before he ever appeared on Chicago’s radar — Johnson was quietly earning respect as a position coach.

Former NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins recently shared insight into just how early the buzz around Johnson began. Speaking with CHGO, Cousins recalled hearing strong endorsements from former teammates during Johnson’s tenure as the Lions’ tight ends coach.

According to Cousins, players in Detroit were already convinced Johnson had elite coaching potential. Text messages from those inside the building compared him to some of the brightest offensive minds in football — names like Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan. That kind of praise didn’t come lightly.

At the time, Cousins was leading the Minnesota Vikings, competing directly against Detroit in the NFC North. Yet even as a division rival, he was hearing about Johnson’s advanced understanding of offense and leadership ability.

Johnson’s coaching journey has been steady and methodical. After finishing his playing career at North Carolina, he quickly transitioned into coaching, beginning in the college ranks before working his way up in the NFL. It took over a decade of development and experience before he finally received his opportunity to lead a team.

Now, just one season into his tenure as Bears head coach, Johnson has already validated much of the early hype. Chicago captured an NFC North title, secured two wins over Green Bay — including a playoff victory — and reestablished itself as a serious contender.

What once sounded like ambitious projections from players inside Detroit now looks more like foresight.

For Bears fans, landing Johnson feels like more than just a smart hire. It feels like the organization recognized a rising star at the right moment — even if some around the league saw it coming years earlier.