After the Detroit Lions’ disappointing loss in the NFC divisional round, Ben Johnson knew he wanted a fresh start. As the Lions’ offensive coordinator from 2022 to 2024, Johnson had consistently faced the Chicago Bears in the NFC North. Of all his divisional opponents, Johnson found the Bears to be the most concerning, calling them a “sleeping giant.” This recognition of potential, combined with the opportunity to work with Caleb Williams, made Chicago a particularly enticing prospect.
Johnson, 38, was formally introduced as the Bears’ 19th head coach at Halas Hall, tasked with rejuvenating a franchise that finished the previous season with a 5-12 record. As the architect of a successful Lions offense that helped quarterback Jared Goff post career-best numbers, Johnson is now set to develop an offense tailored to the needs of the promising young quarterback, Caleb Williams. Despite his experience with a well-oiled Detroit system, Johnson emphasized that Chicago’s offensive scheme would be tailored to Williams’ strengths and abilities.
Johnson’s Commitment to Building Around Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams, who had an up-and-down rookie year, was instrumental in Johnson’s decision to join the Bears. Johnson expressed that his primary focus would be supporting Williams’ development, noting that the offense would be built around the young quarterback. Johnson emphasized that he would not merely transfer the playbook from Detroit but would design a new system from the ground up to cater to Williams’ unique skill set. This fresh approach excited Williams, who felt an immediate sense of clarity regarding his future with the Bears.
Williams, thrilled by the announcement of Johnson’s hiring, shared his enthusiasm, especially about how Johnson’s philosophy would align with his development. During a call with Johnson, Williams was assured that the system would be tailored to fit his personal style of play. While Johnson would challenge him and refine his skills, the offense would prioritize what worked best for Williams, enhancing his potential and the team’s overall success. This collaboration fostered a sense of confidence and excitement for the quarterback.
Team Building Beyond the Quarterback: The Importance of Personnel
While the Bears’ future hinges significantly on Williams’ growth, Johnson emphasized that success would require contributions from the entire roster. During his introductory press conference, Johnson assured his young quarterback that building a successful offense would be a team effort. The Bears’ current roster already includes talented players such as wide receiver DJ Moore and tight end Cole Kmet. Johnson stressed the importance of surrounding Williams with complementary players to maximize the team’s overall potential.
One of Johnson’s immediate priorities will be to address Chicago’s offensive line, which played a significant role in the Bears’ struggles during the 2024 season. Williams’ tendency to hold on to the ball too long, coupled with poor pass protection, led to him being sacked a league-high 68 times. Johnson recognized that this issue must be fixed for Williams’ second season to be more successful. Talks are already underway to improve the offensive line, with Johnson aiming to replicate the strong offensive line play he experienced in Detroit, ensuring that the Bears’ line can better protect their young quarterback.