The Chicago Bears have reportedly found the head coach they hope will guide them to success during the Caleb Williams era – and they’re poaching from a divisional rival to do so.
According to reports, the Bears are hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach.
This decision marks a significant shift for the Bears, who made waves earlier in the season by firing Matt Eberflus in November.
It was the first time in franchise history that they had dismissed a head coach mid-season. Eberflus’ departure came as the team struggled to meet expectations, especially after a promising start to the year.
Chicago had high hopes entering the 2024 season, especially after drafting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick.
The team bolstered its offense with key additions like DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, and D’Andre Swift.
The early optimism was strong as the Bears started 4-2, but things quickly unraveled. A disastrous stretch, including several gut-wrenching losses, sent the team spiraling.
Following Eberflus’ dismissal, offensive coordinator Thomas Brown took over on an interim basis. Despite an early win against the Packers, the team finished 1-4 under Brown, leading to the search for a new head coach.
For the Bears, this hiring is one of the most pivotal in franchise history.
With Williams a cornerstone of the team’s future, there’s hope that the right coach can help him develop into the star Chicago has long sought at quarterback.
The partnership between Johnson and Williams will be under intense scrutiny, as the Bears look to close the gap between themselves and their divisional rivals – the Packers, Vikings, and Lions.
Success in the NFC North depends on the ability to get the most out of Williams and build a lasting, dynamic relationship.
In many ways, the Bears are hoping for a partnership akin to the successful duo of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid in Kansas City.
Johnson, who has an offensive background and deep knowledge of the division, is seen as the ideal candidate to help Chicago navigate this challenging transition.
Over the past three seasons, Johnson helped the Lions become one of the NFL’s most potent offenses.
Now, Johnson heads to Chicago, where the Bears hope he can replicate that success.
With a talented group of playmakers at his disposal, including Williams, Johnson faces the task of taking a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2010 and turning it into a contender in the loaded NFC North.
What are your thoughts on the Bears winning the Johnson-sweepstakes? … Are you surprised that he turned down Tom Brady and the Raiders?
At the end of the day, will Johnson live up to the sky-high hype that’s clearly been set for him???
