Ben Johnson (born May 11, 1986) is an American football coach who has made a name for himself as an offensive mastermind in the NFL. He began his professional coaching career with the Miami Dolphins before joining the Detroit Lions in 2019. His offensive strategies and dynamic play-calling led to a rapid rise in coaching ranks, culminating in his appointment as the head coach of the Chicago Bears in January 2025.
In this article, we will explore in-depth details about Ben Johnson, including his age, height, weight, career, net worth, early life, family, relationships, physical appearance, and lesser-known facts.

Ben Johnson Short Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Benjamin David Johnson |
Stage Name | Ben Johnson |
Profession | American Football Coach |
Hometown | Charleston, South Carolina |
Nationality | American |
Date of Birth | May 11, 1986 |
Age (as of 2025) | 38 |
Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
Weight | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Brown |
Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Current Position | Head Coach, Chicago Bears |
Early Life and Education
Ben Johnson was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and grew up in Asheville, North Carolina. He attended A.C. Reynolds High School, where he played quarterback, leading his team to a North Carolina 4-A state championship as a junior. His stellar performances earned him the conference player of the year award as a senior.
After high school, Johnson walked on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill football team in 2004. While he did not become a starting quarterback, he was a reserve player behind T.J. Yates. In 2008, he graduated with degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, demonstrating both athletic and academic excellence.
Coaching Career
Boston College (2009-2011)
- Began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Boston College in 2009.
- Promoted to tight ends coach in 2011.
Miami Dolphins (2012-2018)
- Hired as an offensive assistant in 2012.
- Became assistant quarterbacks coach (2013-2015).
- Promoted to tight ends coach (2015).
- Transitioned to assistant wide receivers coach (2016-2017).
- Became wide receivers coach (2018).
Detroit Lions (2019-2024)
- Hired as an offensive quality control coach in 2019.
- Promoted to tight ends coach in 2020.
- Became passing game coordinator in 2021.
- Took over as offensive coordinator in 2022.
- Led the #1 ranked offense in the NFL during the 2024 season.
Johnson’s offensive strategies turned Jared Goff into one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league, helping the Lions achieve their first division title since 1993 and a playoff victory since 1991.
Chicago Bears (2025 – Present)
- Hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears in January 2025.
- Expected to develop rookie QB Caleb Williams and revamp the Bears’ offense.
Family and Relationships
Ben Johnson is married to his high school sweetheart, Jessica, and the couple has three children.
Family Member | Role |
---|---|
Jessica Johnson | Wife |
Children (3) | Not publicly disclosed |
Physical Appearance
Ben Johnson maintains an athletic build, typical of former quarterbacks. He is often seen on the sidelines analyzing plays and communicating with players.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
Weight | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Brown |
Tattoos | None |
Piercings | None |
Net Worth and Income Sources
Ben Johnson has earned significant wealth through his NFL coaching career. His salary has increased with each promotion, and his recent head coaching contract with the Chicago Bears is expected to be one of the highest-paid in the league.
Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $8-10 million |
---|---|
Primary Income Sources | NFL Coaching Contracts |
Additional Income | Endorsements, Investments |
Lesser-Known Facts About Ben Johnson
- Mathematics & Computer Science Graduate – One of the few NFL coaches with an academic background in STEM.
- Turned Down Head Coaching Offers in 2023 – Declined interviews to stay with the Lions for another season.
- Transformed Jared Goff’s Career – Helped Goff go from a struggling QB to one of the league’s most efficient passers.
- Influenced by Mike Martz & Kevin Rogers – Cites these coaches as his biggest inspirations.
- Set Multiple NFL Offensive Records in 2024 – His Lions offense led the league in points per game (33.2 PPG).
- Created the First Ever “Four-1,000-Yard Player” Offense – Two WRs and two RBs recorded 1,000+ scrimmage yards.
- Known for Innovative Play-Calling – His ability to create counter-strategies mid-game is widely praised.
- First NFL Head Coaching Job – Chicago Bears is his first time as an NFL head coach.
- Worked With Dan Campbell for Years – Formed one of the strongest coaching duos in Detroit.
- Prefers Offensive Strategies Over Defensive Schemes – A coach fully committed to aggressive, high-scoring plays.
FAQs About Ben Johnson
- Q: When did Ben Johnson become the head coach of the Chicago Bears?
A: He was officially hired on January 20, 2025. - Q: What was Ben Johnson’s role before becoming head coach?
A: He was the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions from 2022 to 2024. - Q: What is Ben Johnson’s coaching style?
A: He focuses on offensive innovation, play-action passing, and quarterback development. - Q: How old is Ben Johnson in 2025?
A: He is 38 years old. - Q: Where did Ben Johnson play football?
A: He was a walk-on quarterback at the University of North Carolina. - Q: Did Ben Johnson ever play in the NFL?
A: No, he did not play professionally but pursued a coaching career. - Q: How much is Ben Johnson’s salary with the Bears?
A: His contract details are not publicly available, but it’s expected to be among the highest-paid coaching salaries. - Q: Is Ben Johnson married?
A: Yes, he is married to Jessica Johnson, and they have three children. - Q: What made Ben Johnson a top coaching candidate?
A: His record-breaking offensive schemes with the Detroit Lions in 2023-2024 made him highly sought after.
Conclusion
Ben Johnson’s rise from a college football walk-on to an elite NFL offensive strategist and now the head coach of the Chicago Bears showcases his intelligence, adaptability, and leadership. His dynamic offensive strategies are expected to revamp the Bears and help Caleb Williams reach his full potential. The 2025 NFL season will be crucial in determining how successful his tenure in Chicago will be.
“NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify the details independently from reliable sources.”