The Chicago Bears had so much optimism heading into the 2024 season. It ended the way most years do for the Bears over the last 35 years: with bitter disappointment and widespread embarrassment throughout the organization.
Chicago fired a head coach during the season for the first time in franchise history when it axed Matt Eberflus in the middle of a 10-game losing streak. The Bears’ mission ever since was to find a new head coach who could salvage the Caleb Williams era and return the fanbase to the excitement it felt after the QB was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in 2024.
It was hard to have any faith in the Bears to get this decision right, but somehow, they hired the best candidate of the cycle. Former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is the Bears’ new head coach after helping lead Detroit to record-breaking heights over the last two years. Johnson was reportedly coveted by the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars, but the Bears already having a promising QB in place gave them the edge.
There are of course no guarantees that any first-time head coach is a slam dunk hire, but Johnson certainly checks every box for a qualified candidate. His introductory press conference should fill Bears fans with even more confidence. After years of Eberflus bumbling through his pressers with the charisma of a door knob, Johnson’s poised and confident introduction was a ultimate breath of fresh air.
First, Johnson reiterated that this was the job he wanted. When the Bears hired their last four head coaches — Eberflus, Matt Nagy, John Fox, and Marc Trestman — they didn’t have any competition because no other team wanted them. Johnson had suitors, but Chicago was the job he wanted, which he reiterated throughout.
Bears chairman George McCaskey says the first thing Ben Johnson said in their Zoom was, “I want this job,” and he ended it with, “Did I tell you I want this job?”
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) January 22, 2025
It sure is nice to hear that Johnson wanted the Bears job, and the Bears actually paid up to get him over other suitors. It’s clear he believes this is a special opportunity if he can clear the organizational dysfunction that has plagued Chicago for years. Johnson actually believing that can happen with him in charge is a great first step.
Ben Johnson believes in Caleb Williams
Williams’ rookie year was a mixed bag. The QB led Chicago on some great late-game comebacks, but poor coaching decisions led to the Bears consistently blowing it late. After Jayden Daniels, who was selected one pick after Williams in the draft, put together the greatest rookie QB season ever in Washington, it’s easy to say the Bears made the wrong choice with the No. 1 pick.
Well, Johnson still believes in Williams, and that’s why he took the job. The coach knows QB success drives winning in the NFL, and he believes he has a franchise QB in Williams.
Ben Johnson took a jab at the Packers
The Packers have ruined the Bears over the last 35+ years. Turning the Bears around starts with beating the Packers. Johnson got a shot in at Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur during his introduction.
Of course, Ryan Poles once said Chicago was going to “take the North” and that hasn’t gone so well. It’s still nice to hear that Johnson has his priorities straight.
