By Sunday 
The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator reflects on what made the Chicago Bears opportunity the right fit for him.
A New Chapter in Chicago
Ben Johnson is stepping into a new role as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, and his decision to leave the Detroit Lions wasn’t a light one. The former Lions offensive coordinator was one of the most sought-after candidates this offseason, and his choice to join the Bears speaks volumes about the franchise’s potential.
“I felt like this place was a sleeping giant,” Johnson shared during his introductory press conference at Halas Hall. His belief in the Bears’ untapped potential and the roster already in place made the decision clear to him. “To be honest with you, I personally was more concerned about the Chicago Bears than I was about anyone else in this division.”
A Comfortable Fit with the Bears
Although Johnson had never worked directly with Bears’ general manager Ryan Poles, their shared background at Boston College created an instant connection. Johnson explained how their relationship strengthened during the interview process. “I truly believe in the character and integrity of this man,” Johnson said, expressing his confidence in the organization’s leadership. Despite the challenges, Johnson felt an alignment with Poles and the team’s vision.
What solidified the deal for Johnson was the level of comfort he felt, even without a formal in-person interview. “I just felt a lot more comfortable in terms of making that jump,” Johnson explained, referencing his thoughtful decision-making process over the summer and his growing readiness for the transition.
The Offensive Vision
As a first-time head coach, Johnson is aware that his job will be much broader than managing the offense, even though his expertise in that area is undeniable. He emphasized that his focus will be on creating a balanced team that can execute across all three phases of the game. “I’ll be heavily involved both defensively and in special teams as much as offense,” Johnson stated, ensuring complementary football is at the core of his strategy.
Johnson also addressed his offensive approach, noting that while the Bears’ offense won’t resemble the one he ran in Detroit, it will adapt to the unique strengths of his new team. “It’s going to be predicated on the guys that we have available,” he clarified. His commitment to tailoring the offense to his personnel shows his adaptability as a coach.
The Key to Unlocking Caleb Williams’ Potential
A major factor in Johnson’s decision to come to Chicago was the opportunity to work with young quarterback Caleb Williams. Although the Bears have a solid roster, Johnson pointed to Williams as a significant reason for his choice. “There’s no doubt Caleb played a large component into my decision,” Johnson admitted.
Williams’ promising, yet inconsistent, rookie season showed potential, and Johnson is eager to develop the quarterback further. “We’re going to have to spend a lot of time together,” Johnson emphasized, underscoring the importance of building a deep rapport between playcaller and quarterback. His experience elevating Jared Goff’s performance in Detroit will be invaluable in guiding Williams through the ups and downs of his development.
Setting a New Standard in Chicago
Accountability was a recurring theme in Johnson’s address, as he made it clear that the Bears will have higher expectations than ever before. “Get comfortable being uncomfortable,” Johnson challenged his new players, setting the tone for the hard work ahead.
With a clear vision of what success should look like, Johnson is ready to push the team to reach its potential. “The only way for this team and for you as individual players to reach your potential is to be pushed and to be challenged,” he affirmed. The message was clear: the Bears will hold each other accountable at every level to ensure consistency and growth.
Building a Championship Culture
Johnson’s focus on leadership and structure signals the start of a new era for the Bears. With his experience in Detroit and his commitment to building a well-rounded, high-performing team, Johnson is determined to transform Chicago into a contender. His leadership will be crucial in shaping not only the Bears’ future but also their winning culture, which has been a long time coming.
By combining his offensive expertise with a focus on team unity and discipline, Ben Johnson aims to leave a lasting impact on the Bears, making them a team to watch in the coming seasons.