Ben Johnson has been appointed as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, a move that aims to replicate his success with Jared Goff in Detroit and translate it to Caleb Williams in Chicago. The team made the announcement on Tuesday regarding Johnson’s agreement to take up this role.
In a statement, Johnson expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Having been on the opposing sideline, I can attest to how passionate Bears fans are about this city and their team, and I am honored to be their head coach.” This marks Johnson’s debut as a head coach; at 38 years old, he was seen as the top candidate in the coaching market after three successful seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions under Dan Campbell. Prior to joining Detroit’s coaching staff in 2019, Johnson spent seven years as an assistant with the Miami Dolphins.
During his tenure in Detroit, Johnson played a pivotal role in Goff’s performance, with the quarterback amassing over 4,400 passing yards for three consecutive seasons. Goff also made two Pro Bowl appearances during this span. The Lions concluded the last season with a remarkable record of 15-2, earning the NFC’s top seed, before facing a surprising loss to the Washington Commanders. Under Johnson’s guidance, Detroit was a powerhouse, leading the league in points scored per game and ranking highly in total passing yards and overall yards throughout the regular season.
Ryan Poles, the Bears’ general manager, praised Johnson for his character, intelligence, and leadership skills throughout the hiring process. He acknowledged Johnson as a “progressive offensive mind,” emphasizing that Johnson’s vision for the team reflected a commitment to fostering a competitive environment. He noted that their discussions confirmed his belief that Johnson was the right leader to help shape the franchise for sustained success.
Team president Kevin Warren commended Poles for the effective search for a new head coach and expressed gratitude for having Johnson take on this critical role. The Bears had previously parted ways with head coach Matt Eberflus at the end of November, naming Thomas Brown as interim coach. The team had a challenging season, finishing at the bottom of the NFC North with a 5-12 record, including a losing streak of ten games prior to ending the season with a victory against Green Bay.
A key focus for Johnson will be the development of quarterback Caleb Williams, particularly following the team’s fourth consecutive losing season. Williams, the top pick from the previous draft, achieved notable numbers with over 3,500 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, although he faced a tough season with a franchise-record 68 sacks.
Williams has shown admiration for Johnson’s abilities. In comments made two weeks prior, he reflected on watching Johnson lead the Lions, noting, “It was fascinating to watch… he had wrinkles for counters and things like that throughout the game.” Johnson himself recognized Williams’ talent, remarking on the quarterback’s exceptional skills during their previous matchups and expressing his excitement for working with him moving forward.
The Bears conducted interviews with a total of 17 coaching candidates, which included notable names such as Pete Carroll, Mike McCarthy, and Mike Vrabel, who ultimately took a position in New England. Since their successful 2006 season, during which they made a Super Bowl appearance, the Bears have only featured in three playoff games. Their last postseason victory dates back to 2010 when they reached the conference championship under Lovie Smith. Johnson is now the sixth head coach for the team in that time frame, not counting Brown.
In what has been a challenging three years under the leadership of Poles, the Bears have recorded a disappointing 15-36 record, marked by two separate double-digit losing streaks. Johnson’s appointment represents a new chapter, with chairman George McCaskey expressing enthusiasm for his leadership qualities and commitment to the team. He welcomed Johnson and his family, stating, “We are excited to see him lead our Bears.”
