Ben Johnson Could Raid Dan Campbell’s Staff and Steal Lions Fan Favorite for Bears
Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears remain deeply tied to the Detroit Lions, even after Johnson left Detroit to become Chicago’s head coach in January 2025.
Johnson served on Dan Campbell’s Lions coaching staff from 2019 to 2024, helping build one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. His move to a division rival only intensified the NFC North rivalry between the Bears and Lions.
During the 2025-26 NFL season, the Lions defeated the Bears twice — first in a 52-21 blowout on September 14, then again in a tight 19-16 win on January 4, 2026. Despite the sweep, Detroit failed to make the playoffs, giving Johnson and Chicago more bragging rights overall.
After that final loss, Johnson publicly criticized his offense.
“I was not pleased with the offense today,” Johnson said. “We can’t dig ourselves in a hole like that. I was disappointed with the offense as a whole.”
He added, “We need to do a better job of executing it and coaching it up.”
Now that both teams are in the offseason, analysts believe Johnson could make a bold move involving his former team.
Lions and Bears Already Swapping Personnel
The Lions and Bears have already begun exchanging pieces this offseason.
On Thursday, January 29, the Detroit Lions signed former Bears tight end Thomas Gordon to a reserve/future contract. Gordon spent most of his rookie season on Chicago’s practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster.
Now, experts believe the Bears may strike back — not with a player, but with a coach.
Bears Predicted to Target Lions Coach Scottie Montgomery
In a January 30 article for SideLion Report, writer Candace Pedraza suggested that the Bears could target Lions assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery after Chicago lost offensive coordinator Declan Doyle to the Baltimore Ravens.
“That leaves head coach Ben Johnson with the job of finding Doyle’s replacement, and wouldn’t it make too much sense to see him bark up the Lions’ tree for that job?” Pedraza wrote.
Montgomery coached Detroit’s wide receivers in 2025 and also served as assistant head coach. His familiarity with Johnson’s offensive system makes him a natural candidate.
“He feels like the most interesting hire among the options,” Pedraza added.
Scottie Montgomery’s Departure Could Impact David Montgomery
Pedraza also noted that losing Scottie Montgomery could have ripple effects for Detroit’s roster — especially concerning running back David Montgomery.
“Montgomery had been dropping hints last season about his dissatisfaction with his role in the Lions’ offense,” Pedraza wrote. “He could be a trade or cut candidate for Detroit if they can’t retain Montgomery on the coaching staff.”
If Ben Johnson succeeds in luring Scottie Montgomery to Chicago, it would be a major blow to Dan Campbell’s staff and another win for the Bears in their growing rivalry with the Lions.
