Ben Johnson couldn’t turn down the opportunity to coach the Chicago Bears and work with Caleb Williams, a potential franchise quarterback.
Upon evaluating the team, Johnson recognized the Bears had a promising roster and saw the chance to elevate the franchise.
His decision to take on the Bears job marked the beginning of his first head coaching role, and it was a significant step in his career.
Johnson spoke about his admiration for the Bears’ potential, having faced them twice a year for the past six seasons.
He believed they were on the verge of success. He also noted that his experience against the Bears gave him a clear understanding of what the team needed to reach the next level.
The 38-year-old Johnson made headlines when he accepted the head coaching position after spending three years as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
The Bears had high hopes for the season, expecting to make a playoff run, but ended up last in the NFC North with a disappointing 5-12 record.
Midseason, Chicago fired head coach Matt Eberflus during a 10-game losing streak, with the season concluding on a high note after a win over Green Bay.
Johnson’s message to his new team was clear:
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” He made it known that the team would face challenges and would be pushed to achieve more than ever before.
Johnson’s coaching career began in 2019 with the Detroit Lions under head coach Matt Patricia, starting as a quality control coach after spending seven years as an assistant with the Miami Dolphins.
Over the last three seasons, under the leadership of Dan Campbell, Johnson helped coordinate one of the league’s top offenses.
The Lions led the NFL in points per game and finished second in both passing yards and total yards in 2024, securing the NFC North title with a 15-2 record.
Known for his creative approach to play-calling, Johnson had an impact on the Bears firsthand. In Week 16, during a game at Soldier Field, the Lions stunned the Bears with a trick play — a “stumble bum” maneuver that resulted in a 21-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta.
Johnson is committed to calling the plays for the Bears, and he emphasized that having an offensive coordinator he trusts will be key to the team’s success.
The role will require someone extremely detail-oriented, organized, and willing to put in long hours, especially early in the week.
Johnson acknowledged that the offensive coordinator’s ability to work closely with him will be essential for a smooth offensive operation.
In addition, Johnson hinted that former New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders head coach Dennis Allen is a possible candidate for the defensive coordinator position, further building out his staff.
Johnson emphasized that the Bears’ offense would be designed to maximize the talent they already have while keeping Caleb Williams in mind.
Instead of simply adopting a pre-existing playbook, Johnson plans to “tear it down to the studs” and rebuild the system around Williams as the focal point. He’s determined to challenge and develop Williams, who is expected to be a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come.
Much like he helped Jared Goff re-establish himself as a top quarterback in Detroit, Johnson is excited about the opportunity to work with Williams. After being traded from the Los Angeles Rams to Detroit in 2021, Goff went on to have three consecutive seasons with over 4,400 passing yards, earning two Pro Bowl selections in the process.
Johnson believes he can achieve similar success with Williams, and Williams has already expressed excitement about the prospect of working under Johnson’s leadership.
When Williams heard the news of Johnson’s hiring, he was “insanely excited” and even let out a loud cheer as he drove after getting off the phone with Bears management.
Williams, along with key teammates like DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet, attended the press conference.
He shared that Johnson told him the offense would be built around him, but also that he’d be challenged and tested during the offseason.
The Bears had interviewed 17 candidates for the job, but it was clear that Johnson was their top choice.
General manager Ryan Poles praised Johnson’s ability to construct an offense capable of operating at a high level, which ultimately made him the standout candidate.
While it’s unclear whether Poles received a contract extension to match Johnson’s, team president Kevin Warren declined to comment on the matter.
Johnson, despite not interviewing in person with the Bears, had visited Chicago numerous times and was familiar with the city. He had brought his family along for trips, even to watch the Cubs play.
For Johnson, the decision to move to Chicago was easy. He had already formed a connection to the city and felt it was the right place for his family.
His admiration for the people and culture of the city played a significant role in his decision-making process.
In summary, Ben Johnson is ready to take on the challenge of rebuilding the Chicago Bears and developing Caleb Williams into a star quarterback.
With his creative play-calling, strong leadership, and commitment to pushing his players, Johnson believes he can bring the Bears back to prominence and make them a playoff contender.
The road ahead is challenging, but Johnson is eager to get started.