Ex-Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson contacted former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen towards the end of the 2024 season to ask if the experienced coach would be open to collaborating with a rookie NFL head coach.
“At a certain time as the season progressed, he contacted me to check if I might be interested,” Allen stated during his introductory media session, according to Sports Illustrated. “I mentioned to him that I would find it appealing.”
Lions fans were upset to learn that Johnson had begun preliminary leg work for a future chance, despite still training with his current team for a Super Bowl run.
“I simply sense that I had ties to Ben, even though I didn’t truly know him,” remarked Allen. “I believe that both of us relying on those individuals concerning each other made us feel that this was indeed a really good match.”
Allen stated that he desires the Bears’ defense to be assertive and to consistently play a hard-hitting style of football each week.
“We aim to bring the battle to the offense and not allow them to control the pace for us.” “We will be assertive,” stated Allen. “We’re set to question everything.” We are going to play the game correctly. “We’re going to play a hard, physical style of football.”