By Blessing 
Ben Johnson has recently been appointed as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, a move that has sparked excitement among fans and the team. Many are hopeful that Johnson can lead the Bears to championship contention in the upcoming NFL season. Previously serving as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, Johnson was also pursued by other teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars parted ways with their head coach, Doug Pederson, following a disappointing season. Reports indicate that the team was eager to bring Johnson on board as his replacement. However, Johnson ultimately declined their offer, leaving many to speculate about his reasons.
According to NFL insiders, Johnson’s decision may have stemmed from concerns about the Jaguars’ organizational structure. Will Brinson of CBS Sports pointed to Jacksonville’s general manager, Trent Baalke, as a potential factor. “The Lions’ most explosive offensive day came against Jacksonville, when Johnson’s unit dropped a 50-burger on the hapless Jaguars defense. It should have been clear at that very moment that Shad Khan needed to do whatever he could to get Johnson in the building. But it sure sounds as if the reason he’s in Chicago and not Jacksonville is Baalke,” Brinson stated.
Meanwhile, Dianna Russini of The Athletic offered a different perspective. She suggested that Johnson may have felt the Jaguars’ overall team setup wasn’t ideal for his first head coaching role, as he is determined to make a strong impression in his debut.
Caleb Williams Welcomes Johnson to Chicago
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams appears thrilled with the team’s decision to hire Johnson. In a recent podcast with Amon-Ra and Equanimeous St. Brown, Williams expressed his desire to work with an offensive-minded coach, making Johnson an excellent fit.
Shortly after the Bears officially announced Johnson’s hiring, Williams liked the announcement on Instagram, signaling his approval. The young quarterback showed promise last season, throwing for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Despite his efforts, the Bears finished last in the NFC North with a 5-12 record, far behind the division-leading Detroit Lions, who ended the season with a dominant 15-2 record.
With Johnson now at the helm, both the Bears and their fans are optimistic about turning things around. The hope is that Johnson’s offensive expertise will unlock the full potential of Williams and the team, setting them up for a successful future.