On Monday, reports shared that the Chicago Bears had found their new Head Coach. On Tuesday, the Chicago Bears confirmed that they have hired former Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson. This was exciting news to Bears fans for multiple reasons: the head coaching search had finally ended, and many believe the Bears hired the best man for the job.
“I think they absolutely made the right hire. This is the first time in my life the Bears hired the best available option,” said LFHS Athletic Trainer Bart Castillo.
The Bears’ 2024 season was very disappointing to say the least. After starting the season 4-2, they went on a ten game losing streak. Six games into the streak, on Nov. 29, the Bears made the decision to fire then Head Coach Matt Eberflus. From that point on, the Bears were led by interim Head Coach Thomas Brown.
Since the termination of Eberflus, many Bears fans have shared a similar opinion that they wanted Ben Johnson. Ben Johnson, due to the Lions’ success this season, was one of the most sought after coaches in the offseason. The Lions had the second most offensive yards in the NFL in 2024 and led the league in points scored. His speciality as an offensive coach was appealing to Bears fans with the offensive talents the Bears have on their team, specifically young quarterback Caleb Williams.
“Ben Johnson is an offensive mastermind, and the perfect guy to help develop Caleb Williams,” senior Karl Nagel said.
The Chicago Bears organization had been evaluating options since Thanksgiving time, making this nearly a two month search. In the coaching search, the Bears showed interest in a variety of candidates. Defensive minded coaches like Mike Vrabel, offensive minded coaches like Kliff Kingsbury, and former head coaches like Pete Carrol and Ron Rivera. It is rumored that the Bears even offered a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Although there is a lot of excitement regarding the hiring of Johnson, there are still worried fans due to the Bears’ recent failures.
“I like the hire, but it’s the Bears. I won’t be surprised if Ben Johnson is fired in three years,” senior Noah Kowalski said.
In Ben Johnson’s introductory press conference, he shared his plan to turn around the Bears and bring them back to the success they have missed for so many years. When addressing the players, he said “Get comfortable being uncomfortable. The bar has been set higher than it’s ever been before.”
Ben Johnson also discussed the challenge of competing in the NFC North, a conference he has dominated since joining the Lions. In 2024, the Lions went 6-0 in the NFC North, and in 2023 they went 4-2.
“I wanted to stay in this division. I know this is the toughest division in football right now, there is three teams that made the playoffs this year,” Johnson said.
He also discussed his respect for the other NFC North coaches, Kevin O’Connell and his former coworker Dan Campbell. In his press conference, he threw a jab at Packers Head Coach Matt Lafleur which excited Bears fans.
“To be quite frank with you, I kinda enjoyed beating Matt Lafleur twice a year,” Johnson said.
Fans will have to wait until next season to see how big of an impact Johnson will really make. For now, the Bears have the NFL draft and free agency to create a roster that can get the Bears back in the playoffs.
