“I desire this position!” Those were the initial words that former Lions offensive coordinator and newly appointed Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said to team chairman George McCaskey in his interview for the role, as reported by Courtney Cronin of ESPN.
Cronin outlined the interview procedure for Johnson and the Bears that resulted in Johnson assuming the top position in Chicago, which was officially revealed on January 21. Johnson was among 17 applicants who interviewed for the position, which included ex-Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and two coaches who secured jobs elsewhere, Mike Vrabel (Patriots) and Pete Carroll (Raiders).
Chicago conducted its initial interview with Johnson on January 11, coinciding with Detroit’s bye week in the playoffs. This enabled the Bears to arrange a second interview with Johnson following the conclusion of Detroit’s season in the Divisional Round. The Bears, nonetheless, paused a while out of deference to Johnson, giving him a chance to recuperate following the Lions’ 45-31 defeat to the Washington Commanders.
“The Bears’ contingent ultimately decided against making the trip, opting to let Johnson deal with the disappointment of losing as the NFC’s No. 1 seed,” wrote Cronin. “Johnson had spurned previous head coaching opportunities because he wanted to win a Super Bowl with Detroit, but now he knew he would be moving on.”
Chicago couldn’t afford to wait too long, though. The Las Vegas Raiders were allegedly waiting and prepared to pounce on Johnson, accompanied by a group featuring minority owner, seven-time Super Bowl champion, and Fox’s top game analyst Tom Brady.
“While the Bears aimed to honor Johnson’s time and space, there was also an element of urgency,” stated Cronin. There was a sense that Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady was advocating for Johnson, and even if the Bears didn’t think this was accurate, there were additional positions Johnson could contemplate. The Bears focused on ‘culture and the quarterback’ during the interviews, as per a source familiar with the process, and they believed Johnson would thrive in both areas, particularly in enhancing Caleb Williams’ potential.
Johnson appeared to enjoy the backing of the higher-ups in Chicago, and the fans were likewise expressing significant support for him to coach quarterback Caleb Williams.
In Cronin’s account, Bears president Kevin Warren dined with his spouse, Greta, at Old Pueblo Cantina. Cronin mentioned, “As the (Commanders-Lions) game played on the bar’s large screen, Bears supporter Chris Stein sent two shots of tequila to the Warrens, accompanied by a note from Stein’s girlfriend, Ryanne Braun.
Kevin,
“Kindly, employ Ben!!”
Warren replied by firing back two shots. “Message acknowledged.”
Johnson is said to have signed a five-year deal worth $13 million annually, an exceptionally large figure for a rookie coach, but as Cronin highlighted in her article, the Bears weren’t “cutting corners” in compensating Johnson. His yearly salary exceeds twice what the Bears were compensating former head coach Matt Eberflus ($6 million).
Johnson now has the responsibility of collaborating with 2024 No. 1 overall selection Caleb Williams, alongside an offense that stood 26th in expected points added (EPA) per play, at -0.08. For comparison, Johnson’s Lions were positioned No. 3 in that category with a score of 0.15. The only teams that performed better were the Baltimore Ravens (0.21) and the Buffalo Bills (0.18). Johnson had declined head coaching roles in that time, including the vacancy for the Carolina Panthers last offseason that eventually went to Dave Canales. This is one he desired, and he’s enthusiastic and eager to start working, particularly with Williams.
“Having a quarterback is beneficial,” Johnson stated during his introductory press conference on January 22.
Johnson had mixed youth and experience among his coaching staff’s leadership. Previous New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen will serve as Johnson’s defensive coordinator, while 28-year-old Declan Doyle, who held the position of tight ends coach for the Denver Broncos over the last two seasons, will take on the role of offensive coordinator. There’s no doubt that this is Johnson’s offense, yet Doyle is viewed as an emerging talent in the coaching world. Johnson kept special teams coordinator Richard Hightower from Eberflus’ coaching team.
Detroit will greatly miss Johnson, but deep down, they recognized it was his moment. The Lions have brought on John Morton, the passing game coordinator from the Broncos, as their new offensive coordinator. For Johnson, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance at a location Johnson already knows well. It’s not solely due to the Lions’ rivalry with the Bears, but as Johnson mentioned during his introductory press conference, “For over 10 years, my family and I have attended a Cubs series every summer.” And it soon becomes clear that this location is unique. “These individuals are unique.” If you’re curious, the Cubs will be at the Tigers from June 6-8.
unique spot and a unique chance for a unique coach in Lions’ history.