Ben Johnson eager to join Bears, excited to help develop Caleb Williams in Chicago

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Ben Johnson talks to the reporters after his introduction as the new coach

Ben Johnson Takes on Head Coaching Role with Chicago Bears

Ben Johnson saw an opportunity he couldn’t miss when he joined the Chicago Bears. With a talented roster and the potential of having a franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams, Johnson was eager to step into his first head coaching role.

“I’ve always admired what this place could be because I’ve faced them twice a year over the last six years and I’ve really felt like it’s close to going over the hump,” Johnson said on Wednesday.

A New Beginning for the Bears

Johnson, 38, agreed to become the head coach of the Bears after spending three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. The Bears had high hopes for a playoff appearance this season, but instead finished last in the NFC North with a 5-12 record. Following a 10-game losing streak, the team fired former coach Matt Eberflus after their season finale win over Green Bay.

To his new players, Johnson shared his approach: “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” He continued, “We’re gonna push. We’re gonna challenge.”

Experience with Detroit’s High-Scoring Offense

Before joining the Bears, Johnson worked as a quality control coach for Matt Patricia’s staff in Detroit starting in 2019. He had previously spent seven years with the Miami Dolphins.

Johnson helped lead the Lions to one of the NFL’s top offenses over the past three seasons, with the team finishing first in points per game and second in passing yards and total yards per game this season while winning the NFC North with a 15-2 record.

Johnson is known for his creative play calling, and the Bears got a firsthand look at his playmaking in Week 16 when the Lions executed a trick play, leading to a 21-yard touchdown.

Calling Plays for the Bears

Johnson will continue calling plays for the Bears. He shared his thoughts on the challenge of coaching the entire team while overseeing the offense, including the need for a trusted offensive coordinator. He emphasized that the new offensive coordinator will need to be highly organized and detail-oriented.

Ben Johnson and DJ Moore in the news conference

He also mentioned Dennis Allen, former coach of the Saints and Raiders, as a potential candidate for the defensive coordinator position.

Building the Offense Around Caleb Williams

Johnson plans to tailor the Bears’ offense to the players on the team, particularly focusing on Caleb Williams. “We’re going to build this thing,” he said. “This is not simply a dropping of a previous playbook down on the table and starting there. Nope, we’re ripping this thing down to the studs, and we’re going to build it out with him first and foremost, and then with the pieces around him next. I really look forward to challenging him and pushing him.”

Johnson’s Impact on Jared Goff

During his time with the Lions, Johnson played a significant role in revitalizing quarterback Jared Goff’s career. After being traded from the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, Goff threw for over 4,400 yards each of the past three seasons, earning two Pro Bowl selections.

Caleb Williams Excited About the Future

When Williams found out Johnson was taking the Bears’ head coaching job, he was thrilled. “I was insanely excited,” Williams said. “I gave out a loud yell.” He added that Johnson told him, “It’ll be my offense…he’s going to build around me, but also, he’s going to test me. He’s going to challenge me in the offseason.”

A Good Fit for the Bears

The Bears interviewed 17 candidates, but it was clear who their top choice was. General manager Ryan Poles praised Johnson for his ability to put together a high-level offense.

While it wasn’t clear whether Poles received a contract extension, Johnson’s choice to take the job seemed clear. “I know what this city is about,” Johnson said. “It just simply did not take me a long time to decide that this is where I wanted to be, I wanted my family to be. And these are the people that I wanted to be around.”

By Robert Jackson

An avid football fan (A red). And an Otaku by the definition of the word.

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