Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson finalized an agreement to become Chicago’s head coach, the Bears announced on Tuesday.

“Having been on the opposing sideline, I can attest to how passionate Bears fans are about this city and their team, and I am honored to be their head coach,” Johnson said in a statement.

This will be the first head coaching job for Johnson, 38, who was widely considered the top candidate on the market after spending the past three seasons with the Lions under Dan Campbell. Johnson joined Detroit’s staff in 2019 following a seven-year run as an assistant with the Miami Dolphins.

“Throughout our search process, I was thoroughly impressed by Ben’s character, intelligence, leadership and ability to connect,” general manager Ryan Poles said.

“A progressive offensive mind, Ben’s plan for all three phases of our team, which is centered on creating a winning and competitive environment, became evidently clear. Meeting with Ben and gaining an understanding of his process and vision, the more confident we became that Ben is the right leader for our team and that he and I will be great partners in building our team and shaping our franchise for long-term success.”

With five head coaching vacancies to be filled — Jets, Saints, Jaguars, Raiders and Cowboys — Johnson’s staffmate in Detroit, Aaron Glenn, could be next.

Glenn, who is Detroit’s defensive coordinator, has interviewed with several teams and could get an offer this week after a round of second interviews.

Anarumo is DC in Indy

The Indianapolis Colts decided two weeks ago that their defense needed a change.

The offseason overhaul began with the hiring of Lou Anarumo, a person with knowledge of the hire confirmed to The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced.

Anarumo replaces Gus Bradley, who was heavily criticized this past season for an underperforming unit.

How bad was it? Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner called it the worst defense he had played on since being traded to the Colts in 2020.

Vikings’ O’Connell agrees to extension

The Minnesota Vikings and coach Kevin O’Connell agreed to terms on a multiyear contract extension, following a 14-3 regular season that defied external widespread preseason projections of at least a losing record if not a last-place finish in the NFC North.

The Vikings didn’t disclose terms of the deal, which was reached with one year remaining on O’Connell’s existing contract. In three seasons with the Vikings, O’Connell, 39, is 34-17 in the regular season and 0-2 in the playoffs.

Most remarkable in 2024 was the career-best season by quarterback Sam Darnold in his debut with Minnesota, after the Vikings moved on from Kirk Cousins and drafted J.J. McCarthy as his eventual replacement.

Darnold became the first starting quarterback in NFL history with 14 wins in his first season with a team since the league began tracking quarterback starts in 1950.

Darnold, the third overall pick in the 2018 draft who had flamed out with the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers, established career highs in nearly every statistical category and was voted to his first Pro Bowl team.