CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears officially have their new head coach.
The storied franchise named Ben Johnson as its new head coach on Tuesday after the 38-year-old led NFC North rival Detroit Lion to one of the league’s most prolific offenses. As the team’s offensive coordinator, Detroit finished in the top five in total offense each season, including a No. 2 ranking in 2024.
Johnson’s playcalling on offense this past season propelled the Lions to a franchise-record average of 409.5 yards per game. With Jared Goff leading the charge, the unit scored 68 total offensive touchdowns, the most by any team in the NFL.
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Now, Bears fans hope much of the same for Johnson, who will be tasked with the continued development of Caleb Williams, the Bears’ No. 1 draft pick and ending the team’s playoff winless streak in the NFC North, spanning 14 years.
Johnson, whose name was among the top coaching candidates this cycle before ultimately choosing the Bears, appears ready for the task.
“The Chicago Bears are a world-class franchise with a phenomenal history and incredible fanbase,” Johnson said.
“I am thankful to George, Kevin, Ryan and the entire organization for presenting me and my family with this tremendous opportunity. 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.”
Johnson added that he was excited to work with Bears’ general manager, Ryan Poles, and the entire organization en route to a championship-caliber program.
“We are ready to get to work,” Johnson said.
What kind of impact will Ben Johnson have on Caleb Williams?
Williams’s development will be Johnson’s top priority in the wake of the Bears’ fourth straight losing season. Johnson has a fan in Williams.
“I think it’s been really cool to watch,” Williams said two weeks ago, when the Bears cleaned out their lockers. “During our game, I would sit back and watch and try and learn something. It was fascinating to watch. He had wrinkles for counters and things like that throughout the game.”
Johnson strongly praised Williams before the Bears faced the Lions in Week 16.
“There’s no question that this guy is talented. I remember standing on the sideline last game and you can hear the ball whistle by you,” Johnson said.
“He’s got quite a fastball and has some creativity to him, can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well. Like I said, I haven’t really dove in and can tell you much more beyond that, but he’s been impressive from afar.”
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Expectations for Johnson are, undoubtedly, turning the Bears into a perennial contender with Williams under center. The rookie quarterback finished 5-12 in his initial NFL campaign. The bright spot? Williams showed that he was every bit the passer Bears fans had hoped for since the organization drafted the former University of Southern California quarterback with the top selection in the 2024 draft. Despite a shaky offensive line, Williams threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. But the 23-year-old was also sacked a franchise-record and league-leading 68 times.
Despite interviews with at least 17 candidates, Chicago got their guy. Now, the team, which has made just three playoff appearances since the 2006 team won the NFC and appeared in the Super Bowl, looks to build for the future.
“This is exciting times,” said Johnson, sporting a Bears hat, in a video clip posted to the team’s social media. “Cannot wait to get to work. Bear Down, baby.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.