BREAKING NEWS: Former Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy, Now Chiefs OC, Sends Message to Lions’ Ben Johnson Amid Rising Coaching Speculation
KANSAS CITY, MO – In a development that is sparking buzz across the NFL landscape, former Chicago Bears head coach and current Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy has reportedly reached out to Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson. The communication between the two respected offensive minds has ignited speculation about the future of NFL coaching dynamics, potential collaborations, and the evolving landscape of head coaching opportunities.
Matt Nagy, who served as the head coach of the Bears from 2018 to 2021, has re-established himself in Kansas City, the organization where he once rose through the ranks under Andy Reid. After a turbulent tenure in Chicago that saw a hot 12-4 debut season followed by inconsistent results, Nagy returned to the Chiefs in 2022. Since then, he has been credited with helping refine Kansas City’s high-powered offense and maintaining the system that continues to thrive under star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Ben Johnson, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the NFL’s brightest young coaching talents. As the architect of the Detroit Lions’ offensive resurgence, Johnson helped turn the team into legitimate contenders in the NFC. With his innovative play-calling and ability to maximize talent, Johnson has already drawn interest from several teams seeking a new head coach during recent offseasons. Though he has turned down past opportunities, insiders believe it’s only a matter of time before he accepts the right offer.
Sources close to both coordinators have suggested that Nagy’s message to Johnson was one of respect, mentorship, and possibly caution. “Matt has been through the head coaching roller coaster,” said a league insider. “He’s seen the highs and lows and wanted to offer some perspective to Ben, who’s clearly heading toward a top job sooner than later.”
While the exact content of Nagy’s message has not been disclosed, it is believed to have touched on the challenges of transitioning from a coordinator role to a head coach position — a leap that often comes with intense scrutiny and pressure. Nagy’s experience in Chicago, where offensive struggles and quarterback development issues overshadowed his early success, may serve as a cautionary tale for rising stars like Johnson.
NFL analysts have been quick to weigh in. “This is an interesting development,” said ESPN’s Dan Graziano. “You don’t often hear about this kind of peer-to-peer guidance being made public. It shows how seriously both men take their roles and how collaborative the coaching community can be behind the scenes.”
With the 2025 offseason looming and head coaching vacancies expected to open up, Johnson remains one of the hottest names on the market. Nagy, while unlikely to jump back into a head coaching role immediately, appears poised to use his platform in Kansas City to influence the next generation of NFL leaders.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on both coordinators — one guiding a perennial Super Bowl contender, the other leading a rising powerhouse — and the impact their decisions may have on the future of NFL coaching.
