Ben Johnson used his bag of tricks against the Bears.

In Week 16, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson used his expertise against the Chicago Bears. Johnson is regarded as one of the NFL’s best offensive brains. In the third quarter against the Bears, Lions quarterback Jared Goff faked a fumble on a play action to Jahmyr Gibbs and connected with an open Sam LaPorta for a score. The Lions’ Week 16 annihilation continued as LaPorta took advantage of the Bears’ disoriented defense.

This was planned. Ben Johnson is purposeful.

In real time, it appeared like Goff and Gibbs had miscommunicated, but as the play ended in a score, it was evident what Johnson and the Lions’ offense done.

Johnson’s impressive play design has piqued the curiosity of other organizations, including the Bears, in hiring him as their next head coach.

Ben Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator, appears in a probable Bears head coach interview.

Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

After firing Matt Eberflus following their Thanksgiving game against the Lions, the Bears focused on analyzing potential candidates, including Johnson, for the upcoming season.

With the Lions’ play-caller approaching his third summer as a prospective head coach possibility, many have connected Johnson to the Chicago Bears.

It’s a fit that both makes sense and doesn’t.

Would Johnson want to work for owners like the McCaskeys, who have repeatedly made the Bears a laughing stock via terrible decision-making? Would Johnson want to remain in the NFC North after leaving the Lions? Both of these issues appear to explain why Johnson would not want to relocate to Chicago.

Johnson would have Caleb Williams at his disposal, a rookie quarterback who has made NFL history in his first season. Williams has made history in his debut season, while facing challenges from a dysfunctional Bears club.

At the end of the day, Johnson and the Lions offense performed admirably in what might be interpreted as an interview for Detroit’s offensive coordinator.

And, following one of the season’s most remarkable trick plays, Johnson’s Week 16 performance as a play-caller should have propelled him to the top of the Bears’ coaching ranks.

Dakota Zientek is an experienced associate editor at ClutchPoints, covering NFL, NCAA Football, and NFL Draft. The Iowa graduate has written for FanSided and the Pro Football Network.

CBS Sports Network: “Pride of the Motor City: How the Detroit Lions Embody Their City’s Resilience”

Detroit is a city of grit, resilience, and an undying passion for overcoming challenges—a spirit mirrored by its beloved football team, the Detroit Lions. On CBS Sports Network, Nate Burleson eloquently captured the essence of this connection, saying, “The Detroit Lions are a reflection of Detroit. Every compliment that you can pay this team, you pay the city.”

For decades, the city of Detroit has been synonymous with a blue-collar work ethic. Known as the Motor City, it built the backbone of America’s automotive industry, weathered economic downturns, and emerged with renewed determination. The Lions, who now find themselves revitalized under head coach Dan Campbell, are emblematic of this same fighting spirit. They may have endured years of struggle, but they’ve never lost the loyalty of their fans or their commitment to representing the city with pride.

A Team that Reflects the City’s Soul

The Lions’ transformation into contenders has been nothing short of inspiring. Much like Detroit itself, the team has embraced adversity as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Players such as Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Aidan Hutchinson exemplify the qualities Detroiters hold dear: hard work, humility, and a refusal to quit.

Burleson’s praise highlights how deeply the Lions’ identity is intertwined with the city’s culture. “They wear that blue-collar attitude proudly,” he said, emphasizing how the Lions represent the ethos of their community. Detroit is a place where people show up, no matter the odds, and the Lions are proving they’re ready to do the same on the gridiron.

A Fan Base Like No Other

The loyalty of Lions fans is another testament to the city’s spirit. Ford Field is a sanctuary of hope and passion, where every touchdown and every defensive stop is celebrated as a triumph for Detroit itself. Despite decades of heartbreak, the fans never wavered, proving that their faith in the team mirrors their pride in the city.

The Heart of Detroit

The Lions’ resurgence isn’t just a sports story—it’s a reflection of the larger narrative of Detroit’s revival. Both the city and its team are shedding outdated stereotypes and showing the world what they’re truly capable of. Burleson’s statement perfectly encapsulates this: praising the Lions is tantamount to praising Detroit because the two are inseparable.

In a league often dominated by glitz and glamour, the Lions’ story stands out as one of authenticity and perseverance. As the team continues to climb, they do so carrying the weight and pride of an entire city on their shoulders. For Detroit and the Lions, success isn’t just measured in wins—it’s measured in the ability to inspire and embody the soul of a community that never gives up.