Chicago Bears: Player left Dan Campbell’s Lions because of Ben Johnson

The Detroit Lions suffered a downturn, not only in terms of wins and losses, but also morale after former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson took the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears in 2025.

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Offensive players in Detroit had issues with new offensive coordinator John Morton. It wasn’t long before head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties. Morton was fired after the Lions finished with an 9-8 record and missed the playoffs.

In contrast to Detroit, the Bears seemed like the cool place to be last season. Clips of Johnson going shirtless after wins went viral as Chicago cruised to win the NFC North and beat the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.

Players around the league took notice.

Wide receiver Kalif Raymond told Dan Pompei of The Athletic that he had a choice to make this offseason. He could return to play for Campbell and the Lions or he could sign with the Bears and play under Johnson.

Chicago Bears WR wanted to play under Ben Johnson

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Raymond chose to sign with Chicago, hoping to boost his career under Johnson.

“I wanted to play in Ben’s offense,” Raymond told Pompei. “He’s extraordinarily creative, and honestly, you can be in any spot on the offense, and he will find a way to get you the ball. Just to be under him is a great privilege.”

For his part, Johnson thinks Raymond can do more for the Bears in 2026 than what the undrafted receiver did with the Lions in 2025 when he caught 24 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown.

Raymond’s best season came in 2022, Johnson’s first year as the offensive coordinator. He caught 47 passes for 616 yards.

Raymond isn’t expected to play a major role in Chicago with Luther Burden III and Rome Oduze returning. Still, the Bears needed depth after trading DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills and letting Olamide Zaccheaus leave to sign with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

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