How Chicago Bears Coach Ben Johnson Became Football's Most Creative Playcaller

Mastermind Behind the Chicago Offense

Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson has built one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Chicago is off to a 5-2 start this season, driven by creative play designs that give defenses constant problems.

During a 27-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 29, backup quarterback Case Keenum started in place of injured Caleb Williams. The night before the game, Keenum questioned a specific play design. Johnson assured him it would work, and called it in the third quarter with 5:55 left on the clock.

From the Philadelphia 41 yard line, receiver Kalif Raymond saw the Eagles clear out the middle of the field. Keenum hit Raymond open over the middle for a 41 yard touchdown pass.

Designing Around Defensive Voids

Raymond explained that Johnson designs plays around space left by defenses rather than standard boxes. This flexibility lets receivers adjust their routes quickly after the ball is snapped.

Williams noted that the entire team trusts Johnson's play calls. Every design is built to generate big gains, whether it is a short run or a deep pass.

Raymond joked that Johnson balances genius, aggressiveness, and a bit of crazy in offensive meetings. That approach keeps all players involved in the scheme.

Early Days as a Fifth Grade Playcaller

Johnson began creating football plays as a fifth grader in Asheville, North Carolina. His mother, Gail Johnson, used to clean up pencil drawings scattered near the bunk beds he shared with his brother Kyle.

At first, Gail threw the papers away. Once Ben asked for them, she began saving his work in a green folder labeled keep ems. She even transcribed his codes, writing out play names like Twins Right Rip 138 backside skinny post.

Ben watched the San Francisco 49ers during the 1990s with his father, Don Johnson, who was a former college offensive coordinator. Ben asked detailed questions about penalties and why plays succeeded.

Developing the Craft

Don noticed that Ben moved from pencil sketches to colorful marker drawings. Ben designed complex plays, including misdirection calls and passes against play action that set up 60 yard touchdowns.

Ben continued playing football through his college years as a walk on at the University of North Carolina. His early passion for play design laid the groundwork for his success with Chicago today.