Bears officially announce Ben Johnson as new head coach
CHICAGO (CBS Sports) -- Ben Johnson was officially announced as the Chicago Bears' new head coach on Tuesday.
The Chicago Bears will formally introduce Johnson during a press conference on Wednesday.
"The Chicago Bears are a world-class franchise with a phenomenal history and incredible fanbase," Johnson said on Tuesday. "I am excited to partner with Ryan (Poles) and the entire organization as we work to create a championship-caliber program. We are ready to get to work."
Johnson said he is looking forward to "fully ingraining" in the "great city of Chicago."
After plodding through 17 mostly virtual interviews, the Bears front office uncharacteristically moved with light speed to lock up Johnson. His agency, Priority Sports, announced Monday that he is joining the Bears.
Bears General Manager Ryan Poles and team President Kevin Warren wasted no time zeroing in on Johnson once he became immediately available when the top-seeded Detroit Lions were dumped from the playoffs by the Washington Commanders over the weekend.
"A proven leader with winning pedigree and a mind toward innovation, we are excited to welcome Ben and his family to Chicago as our Head Coach," said Bears General Manager Ryan Poles.
The Bears beat out the Las Vegas Raiders and the Jacksonville Jaguars to get the first-time head coach, who was the most coveted candidate in this cycle. Meanwhile, neither a 10-game losing streak nor a chaotic season when two coaches were fired deterred Johnson from taking the Bears job.
Since 2022, Johnson served as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. He served in various positions on the coaching staff for three years before that..
The Lions' Johnson-led attacks averaged 29.0 points per game since he became Detroit's OC in 2022, the most in the NFL in that time. The 33.2 points per game they produced in 2024 led the league and was the most in a season in franchise history. Detroit's offense was No. 1 in the NFL in numerous key metrics during his Lions tenure while working with quarterback Jared Goff.
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs led the NFL in scrimmage touchdowns (20) in 2024, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown earned consecutive first team All-Pro selections in 2023 and 2024 after becoming the first player in Lions history with 100 or more catches, 1,000 or more receiving yards and 10 or more receiving touchdowns in consecutive seasons.
Before joining the Lions, Johnson spent several seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He joined the Dolphins in 2012 as an offensive assistant coach, and was promoted to assistant quarterbacks coach, assistant wide receivers coach, and finally wide receivers coach by 2018.
Johnson had been considered one of the top candidates for the Bears' coaching vacancy, thanks to his prowess as Detroit's play-caller on offense.
At the age of 38, Johnson will now be tasked to elevate 2024 first overall pick Caleb Williams and weapons like wide receiver D.J. Moore, wide receiver Rome Odunze, wide receiver Keenan Allen, tight end Cole Kmet and former Lions running back D'Andre Swift going forward after the Bears had the fifth-worst scoring offense in the league in 2024, averaging 18.2 points per game.
Based on Johnson's glowing comments before the Lions came to Soldier Field on Dec. 22, it is clear that the opportunity to coach Williams was a deciding factor for Johnson to take the job.
"There's no question this guy's talented. I remember standing on the sideline last game and just, you can hear the ball whistle by you. He's got quite a fastball, and has some creativity to him; can extend plays, and is accurate down the field as well," Johnson said at that time, "so he's been impressive from afar."
Johnson will reportedly be at Halas Hall on Tuesday to sign his contract and officially become the new head coach of the Bears.
He is already said to be assembling a star-studded staff, with former NFL head coach Dennis Allen serving as his defensive coordinator.
The Bears also now need to use their significant salary cap space to draft picks to upgrade their offensive line, among other needs.