Ben Johnson’s Play Design Roots Run Deep

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson was named to the position in November 2024 after general manager Ryan Poles observed his offensive coordination for the Detroit Lions — particularly during a December 2024 game at Soldier Field.

The Bears are 5-2 under Johnson. His offensive scheme emphasizes real-time, coverage-based adjustments instead of fixed route trees. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond said Johnson designs plays “based off the voids” in opposing defenses — forcing in-game defensive adaptations.

Johnson began diagramming plays as a fifth-grader in Asheville, North Carolina. He used coded labels on scraps of paper: "QB" as "1", "FB" as "2", "TB" as "3", with arrows mapping motion and routes. His mother, Gail Johnson, started saving the drawings after he asked where they had gone. One labeled "Twins Right Rip 138 backside skinny post" remains in a green folder marked "keep 'ems" in the family home.

His father, Don Johnson — a former college offensive coordinator and high school coach — reviewed each design for legality and practicality. Ben sought feedback not only on rule compliance but also on whether the play would succeed. Don recalled some concepts puzzling him, prompting detailed discussions about execution that Ben absorbed closely.

Johnson installed the trick play "Stumblebum" while with Detroit. In the December 2024 game against Chicago, quarterback Jared Goff faked a stumble, running back Jahmyr Gibbs fell to the turf, and linemen shouted "fumble" — drawing defenders’ attention and resulting in a touchdown.

In Chicago’s September 29 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, backup quarterback Case Keenum threw a 41-yard touchdown to Raymond on a coverage-adjusted concept Johnson emphasized the night before. Keenum had initial reservations but trusted the design after Johnson’s explanation.

During Chicago’s playoff win over the Green Bay Packers, offensive tackle Theo Benedet ran a post route. At 6-foot-7 and 304 pounds, Benedet’s unexpected movement forced defensive realignment.

In Week 7’s 30–24 win over the New England Patriots, an illegal forward handoff from Caleb Williams to guard Joe Thuney was flagged. The play resulted in a penalty, and Johnson treated the error as feedback.

Caleb Williams — Chicago Bears quarterback, age 24, third-season player, and the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick — said: “Every play is going to work, every play is going to be explosive. When we get out there, we have full faith in each other.”

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