Ben Johnson's final season as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator not only landed him a head-coaching opportunity, it garnered end-of-year accolades.
Johnson was named the 2024 AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year on Thursday at NFL Honors in New Orleans.
The new Bears head coach won in a landslide with 364 points, including 29 first-place votes. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores (143 points) finished second and Lions DC Aaron Glenn (110) -- now head coach of the Jets -- placed third, with Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio (109) right behind him and Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady (73) in fifth.
Under Johnson's leadership, the Lions had the league's highest-scoring offense for the second time in franchise history. Detroit led the NFL with 33.2 points per game -- its 10 games with more than 30 points were also the best in the league -- and finished second in yards per game (409.5).
The 38-year-old play-caller paired well with head coach Dan Campbell's aggressive brand of football as the Lions were known for their fearless, innovative plays that routinely went viral on Sundays.
Johnson's work in Motown made him one of the most sought-after coaching candidates of the past two hiring cycles. After opting to remain in Detroit last year, Johnson was hired as the Chicago Bears head coach in January.
In Chicago, Johnson's primary role will be developing quarterback Caleb Williams, who went through and up-and-down rookie season after being selected with the top pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Johnson's past, however, suggests a bright future for Williams, as former No. 1 pick Jared Goff enjoyed some of the best seasons of his career playing under Johnson on the Lions.
