Report: Lions OC Ben Johnson deal 'being finalized' by Bears as next head coach

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 24: Ben Johnson offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions looks on during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field on September 24, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson appears to be leaving Detroit - but staying in the division. Ther Chicago Bears are expected to be finalizing a deal for him according to a report from ESPN.

NFL insider Adam Shefter reports the Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Johnson, 38, as its next head coach. Johnson was highly sough-after as a coaching prospect going back to last season where he rebuffed interest from other teams to stay for "unfinished business" this years.

Shefter followed that report with another, claiming that Johnson is assembling a "star-studded coaching staff" including former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen for his defensive coordinator. 

Lions Coach Dan Campbell held a Monday press conference saying he anticipated losing both Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching jobs.

"I will be forever be grateful for those guys and our team," he said. "Is it a loss? Absolutely. But yet man, we move forward. This train rolls on and I'll find the next best guys for us. We want it to be seamless, that transition, if it happens.

"That's my job is to replenish and find the next man up, and the guy who's who's going to give us the best chance to have success on both sides of the ball."

Campbell said the team won't rush to fill the open positions, with consideration to finding the right candidate who fits the philosophy and franchise culture.

"You know, I'm not in a mad dash - no matter what happens," he said. ""I want to do what's right by our team.  (Someone who) will be able to stand in front of that room and command respect and get everybody going in the same direction."

Stay with FOX 2 for more information as it becomes available. 

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