By Blessing 
Ben Johnson is making headlines as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, and his salary is already turning heads, especially for someone stepping into the role for the first time. According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Johnson’s contract is expected to pay him around $13 million annually. This figure is $5 million higher than the $8 million average for first-year head coaches, showing the Bears’ confidence in their choice.
Although Johnson lacks head coaching experience or a Super Bowl win, his work as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator made him one of the most sought-after candidates in this hiring cycle. The Lions boasted the league’s top-scoring offense last season, putting Johnson on the radar of other teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders. Ultimately, Chicago won out, likely offering not just a hefty paycheck but also the chance to mold rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The opportunity to develop a young, promising QB might have sealed the deal for Johnson’s move to the Midwest.
In the context of NFL coaching salaries, Johnson’s rumored $13 million per year places him just below elite coaches like Kansas City’s Andy Reid ($20 million) and Denver’s Sean Payton ($18 million). However, his pay is higher than established names like Baltimore’s John Harbaugh, who reportedly makes $12 million annually, according to Front Office Sports.
With this significant investment, the Bears are expecting results. Johnson is tasked with improving a struggling franchise that finished 5–12 this season. His goal will be clear: guide the Bears back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and revitalize a team desperate for success. For a coach making this kind of money, the pressure will be immense, but Chicago is betting big on Ben Johnson to turn things around.