of chicago bears He had a very optimistic outlook for the 2024 season. Like most years for the Bears over the past 35 years, it ended with deep disappointment and embarrassment throughout the organization.
Chicago fired Matt Eberflus during a 10-game losing streak, becoming the first team in franchise history to fire a head coach during a season. Since then, the Bears' mission has been to find a new head coach who can salvage the Caleb Williams era and bring back to the fan base the excitement they felt after the QB was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in 2024.
It was hard to believe that the Bears would make this decision correctly, but somehow they ended up taking the best candidate this cycle. Former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will be the Bears' new head coach after leading Detroit to record-breaking heights over the past two years. Johnson reportedly las vegas raiders and jacksonville jaguarsHowever, the Bears already had a promising QB in place, giving them an edge.
Of course, there's no guarantee that a first-time head coach will be hired, but Johnson certainly checks all the boxes for a qualified candidate. His induction press conference should give Bears fans even more confidence. After years of Eberflus buzzing around the press with doorknob charisma, Johnson's poised, confident introduction was the ultimate breath of fresh air.
First, Johnson reiterated that this is the job he wanted. When the Bears hired their last four head coaches (Eberflus, Matt Nagy, John Fox and Marc Trestman), there was no competition because no other team wanted them. Johnson had suitors, but he reiterated throughout that Chicago was the job Johnson wanted.
According to Bears president George McCaskey, the first thing Ben Johnson said on the Zoom call was, “I want this job,” and ended with, “Did I tell you I want this job?”
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) January 22, 2025
It's certainly nice to hear that Johnson wants the Bears' job and that the Bears actually paid more to get him than other suitors. It's clear he believes this is a special opportunity if he can eliminate the organizational dysfunction that has plagued Chicago for years. Johnson actually believes that can happen if he takes charge, but this is a great first step.
Ben Johnson believes in Caleb Williams
Williams' rookie year was a mixed bag. The QB led Chicago with spectacular late-game comebacks, but poor coaching decisions meant the Bears consistently lost in the final stages of games. It's easy to say the Bears made the wrong choice with the No. 1 pick after Jaden Daniels, who was drafted one spot after Williams, put together the best rookie QB season in history in Washington.
Well, Johnson still believes in Williams, and that's why he took the job. The coach knows that a successful QB leads to wins in the NFL, and he believes he has a franchise QB in Williams.
Ben Johnson took a jab at the Packers.
of packers It has ruined the Bears for the past 35-plus years. The Bears' turnaround begins with defeating the Packers. Johnson came under fire during Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur's introduction.
Of course, Ryan Pauls once said Chicago would “conquer the North,” but that didn't work out that well. It's still good to hear that Johnson is clear about his priorities.
