The Chicago Bears have made their long-awaited hire, bringing in assistant coach Ben Johnson to lead the team. Johnson’s appointment is a surprising yet welcome move for the embattled franchise, which has struggled to find success on the field.
Johnson was chosen from a pool of candidates after the Lions’ playoff loss, where his team was heavily favored. The Bears saw an opportunity and acted quickly, making him their new head coach. This marks a rare instance of the Bears hiring someone this well-regarded.
The decision is seen as a positive step for the franchise, which has been plagued by inconsistent coaching in recent years. Johnson’s appointment could be the turning point the team needs to revive its fortunes.
While there are still concerns about the team’s roster and locker room dynamics, Johnson brings an offensive mind and leadership qualities that could help develop quarterback Caleb Williams. The young signal-caller has shown promise but needs a coach who can guide him to reach his full potential.
Johnson’s background as an assistant coach with experience in developing quarterbacks makes him an attractive candidate for the job. He also impressed team members, including Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who praised Johnson’s ability to connect with people and build relationships within the team.
The Bears’ decision to hire Johnson is seen as a nod to his success as the Lions’ OC, where he led them to some impressive victories. The new head coach will need to adapt to the unique challenges of the NFL, but his skills make him an ideal candidate for the job.
While there are still questions about Johnson’s ability to lead the Bears to sustained success, this hire has breathed new life into the franchise. With Williams and Johnson at the helm, fans can begin to believe in the team’s prospects once again.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6076348/2025/01/20/ben-johnson-chicago-bears-head-coach-hire