Since the Chicago Bears finalized their agreement with Ben Johnson to become the team’s next head coach two weeks ago, the move has been widely praised, both in Chicago and across the NFL.
There is hardly anyone with credibility who doubts Johnson will positively influence the career of 23-year-old quarterback Caleb Williams, especially considering his success working with Jared Goff as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator.
Over the past three years under Johnson’s leadership, Goff has averaged 4,547 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions per season. His best performance came in the 2024 season, setting career highs with 37 passing touchdowns, a 72.4% completion rate, and a passer rating of 111.8. He threw for 4,629 yards, the second-most in the league, only behind Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow.
At the Pro Bowl Games this past weekend, Goff joined the long list of people within and around the NFL who believe the Bears made a great choice with their head coach hire.
“He’s a hell of a coach. He’s a guy who’s made a huge difference in my career,” Goff said during an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio (via Grant Gordon of NFL.com). “I’m obviously a big fan of his. I was joking with him, I wish he didn’t have to be in our division so I wouldn’t have to face him twice a year, but he’s going to do a great job.”
A big reason why Goff has been successful over the last three seasons, in addition to Johnson’s play-calling and a talented roster that includes Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams, is the protection he’s received. Over his last 51 games, Goff has been sacked only 84 times. Meanwhile, Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times in just his first season in Chicago, the third-highest total for a single season in NFL history.
Much of this is due to scheme, and Ben Johnson, with his brilliant offensive mind, will find ways to help Williams avoid pressure by moving the pocket, rolling him out, and scripting quick, easy throws so that he isn’t sacked a shocking 160 times again in 2025. However, it will also require Bears general manager Ryan Poles to address the team’s offensive line issues this offseason.
This is undoubtedly a conversation that Johnson and Poles have already had. The Lions built one of the NFL’s top offensive lines to protect Goff and to strengthen their dual-threat rushing attack, which became one of the league’s most productive.