(670 The Score) In leading the Lions’ offense as their coordinator for the last three years, new Bears head coach Ben Johnson enjoyed success in large part due to Detroit's stout offensive line.
The Lions boast one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, which includes a pair of Pro Bowl selections in right tackle Penei Sewell and center Frank Ragnow. That unit helped pave the way for quarterback Jared Goff’s resurgence and a dynamic running game featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Johnson was hired by the Bears last week, and he'll now oversee an offensive line that struggled considerably in 2024. Quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked an NFL-high 68 times as a rookie, and running back D’Andre Swift averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, including just two yards before contact.
“Yeah, I think offensive line is certainly an area that we need to get better play from going forward,” Johnson said. “Something that (general manager Ryan Poles) and I have already talked about. We will develop a plan of attack for how to get that done, but I'm looking forward to getting an excellent offensive line coach in the building to help develop the young talent that we already have on the roster, and we will certainly talk about acquiring talent to bolster that unit as well. But I was certainly blessed the last few years with the men that I worked with. That was something I would love to replicate here as well.”
As of Tuesday morning, Johnson hadn't yet tabbed his offensive line coach for the Bears. Shortly after taking over in Chicago, Johnson chose to not retain offensive line coach Chris Morgan, who had been in his position since 2022.
Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley was targeted by the Bears and several others team but elected to remain in Detroit, where he accepted a promotion to also be the team's run game coordinator.
The Bears have key decisions to make on their offensive line this offseason. Center Coleman Shelton, guard Teven Jenkins and guard Matt Pryor are set to hit the open market as unrestricted free agents. Left tackle Braxton Jones, who underwent surgery for a fractured ankle, could see competition at his position and could potentially be replaced.
There’s a possibility that only right tackle Darnell Wright – the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft – returns to his starting position when the 2025 season opens.
As for the Lions’ starting line, only right guard Kevin Zeitler is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
NFL free agency will officially open on March 12.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on X @CEmma670.