LAKE FOREST, Ill. — It’s a new age at Halas Hall.
The Chicago Bears have hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be their head coach, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise. Johnson, a highly sought-after candidate, brings a fresh perspective and a track record of success.
The Bears acted swiftly and invested significantly to secure his services.
“We know you get what you pay for,” team president Kevin Warren stated, emphasizing the commitment to excellence.
General manager Ryan Poles confirmed that Johnson was their preferred choice from the outset.
Chicago was a destination Johnson was eager to reach.
A significant factor in this decision was the presence of quarterback Caleb Williams.
Johnson has been focused on the Bears for some time, particularly because they share the competitive NFC North division. His ability to elevate players was evident during his tenure in Detroit, and he recognized untapped potential within the Bears.
Despite the Bears’ struggles last season, winning only five games and enduring a ten-game losing streak, Williams delivered one of the best statistical seasons for a Bears quarterback, throwing for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns against just six interceptions.
Now, Johnson’s challenge is to convert that potential into tangible results.
When asked what he believed Johnson could bring out in his game, Williams responded confidently.
“Score an insane amount of points,” said the 23-year-old quarterback.
Johnson’s offensive scheme previously averaged 33.2 points per game, the highest in the league, leading the Lions to a franchise-record 15 wins and the NFC’s top seed. Although their playoff run ended unexpectedly against the Washington Commanders, Johnson’s offensive prowess is undeniable.
Known for his creativity with trick plays and innovative strategies, Johnson draws inspiration from veteran NFL coach John Shoop, who emphasized the importance of versatility in play design: “Make the same things look different, and make different things look the same.”
His adaptability will be crucial as he begins his journey with the Bears.
In his new role, Johnson will not only serve as head coach but will also call the offensive plays. He has made it clear that he plans to tailor the offense around Williams.
“It’s not going to look like it did in Detroit,” Johnson noted. “We have a completely different personnel group.”
Johnson’s strategy, echoed by Poles, is to “rip this thing down to the studs” and rebuild, focusing first on Williams and the supporting cast. Key players were present during the announcement, including D.J. Moore, who had just escaped the cold of Chicago for a Disney theme park, and Williams, who had been in Florida.
This was not Williams’ first conversation with Johnson. While driving down the highway, he received a call from Poles, Warren, and owner George McCaskey about the hire. His excitement was palpable, leading him to shout in his car. The coach he had previously sought out on the field was now his leader.
Johnson reached out soon after, and the two engaged in meaningful discussions.
“We talked about the structure,” Williams shared. “He’s a no-nonsense guy, but he’ll always have my back, always give me support.”
They discussed mutual accountability and the importance of discipline within the team. Williams emphasized the significance of a competitive spirit and the need for consistency in maintaining team standards.
In a separate conversation, Johnson expressed what he saw in Williams, the top pick in the 2024 draft. He highlighted Williams’ unique ability to fit the ball into tight windows, a rare skill in a quarterback.
“He’s fearless playing that position,” Johnson stated. “He’s got so much confidence being able to not only throw outside the numbers but between the numbers; there’s just a lot to work with right there.”
Johnson aims to identify and enhance Williams’ weaknesses, creating individualized action plans for each player. This approach has proven successful in his previous roles and will be implemented with the Bears.
He wants his quarterbacks to view the game through the lens of their playcaller, empowering them as he witnessed with Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
During his interview with the Bears’ hiring committee, Johnson faced a simulated end-of-game scenario, demonstrating his strategic thinking under pressure.
“I really appreciated that,” he reflected. “It’s a deliberate plan of attack so that the head coach and the coordinators are all on the same page in these situations.”
Williams possesses the necessary skills, and Johnson, having attracted interest from multiple teams, chose Chicago for a reason. Now, it is up to Johnson to provide the guidance and strategy needed to elevate the entire team.
It’s a new age at Halas Hall, and the aspirations of Ben Johnson’s Bears are now set on a brighter future.
Carmen Vitali is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. Carmen had previous stops with The Draft Network and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She spent six seasons with the Bucs, including 2020, which added the title of Super Bowl Champion (and boat-parade participant) to her résumé. You can follow Carmen on Twitter at @CarmieV.
