Ben Johnson is widely regarded as one of the best (if not the best) play designers and callers in the NFL. But his rise has come fairly quickly, and his play-calling experience has been limited to two quarterbacks.
Jared Goff and Caleb Williams.
Both were the no. 1 in the draft. The Rams selected Goff at that spot 10 years ago. The Bears made Williams the top pick in 2024.
Johnson became Detroit’s offensive coordinator in 2022. For the next three years, Goff started every game. Johnson joined the Bears in 2025. Williams has started every game since Johnson’s arrival.
On Monday night — if Williams’ hamstring injury prevents him from playing — Johnson will call plays for Tyson Bagent (if he clears the concussion protocol) or Case Keenum.
Coaches are only as good as their players. And while Johnson has had a lot to do with getting the most out of Goff and Williams, they entered the NFL as the perceived cream of the crop. For Chicago’s key Week 3 matchup against the 2-0 Eagles, Johnson will be working with someone other than the first overall draft pick.
That doesn’t mean it won’t work. It just means it will be different. And, specifically for Johnson, unprecedented.
