Bears Virginia Halas announces.
For the first time, the Chicago Bears have some optimism about the future. Even though Chicago finished the 2024 regular season 5-12, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams showed some encouraging growth. With the hiring of former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as the Bears’ new head coach, there is even more cause for confidence.
According to Adam Hoge of CHGO, Ben Johnson will bring about a number of adjustments to Chicago’s offense.
“There will be noticeable changes, but Johnson’s inventiveness will be a welcome addition to the offense,” Hoge wrote. “The run game’s tracks will be a little different, and we might see some stylistic changes in the linemen and running backs, respectively.”
Hoge anticipates that throughout the offseason, the Bears will add a tight end who can block runs and at least one more running back.
Regardless of their head coach, the Bears have to address these areas of need this offseason. However, considering what Detroit has accomplished with their offense under his direction, Johnson is probably going to give these positions a priority.
D’Andre Swift is the starting running back in Chicago right now, according to Hoge. Johnson is acquainted with this Detroit player. During his tenure, the Lions also upgraded to Jahmyr Gibbs by trading Swift to Philadelphia.
How Johnson handles his first summer as an NFL head coach will be interesting to watch.
Ben Johnson was hired by the Bears without a face-to-face interview.
Ben Johnson was obviously a head coaching prospect that the Bears were greatly interested in.
Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team claims that Chicago made an offer to Johnson without even waiting for an in-person interview.
On Monday, Meirov commented, “The #Bears are hiring Ben Johnson without even having an official in-person interview—something you don’t often see in the NFL coaching cycle.” They completed the transaction today after concluding that a virtual meeting and backchannel discussions with Johnson’s close associates were sufficient. Johnson will now take a plane to Chicago to finalize his contract and meet with everyone.
Johnson has been one of the NFL’s most sought-after head coaching candidates in recent years. His impressive 2024 season with Detroit only bolstered his already strong credentials.
Under Johnson’s guidance, the Lions dominated offensively, leading the league in points scored (533), scoring differential (+222), and first downs (386) during the regular season. They also ranked second in total net yards, amassing 6,568.
As Johnson takes on his first season in Chicago, expectations will be sky-high. It will be intriguing to see how he lives up to the significant anticipation surrounding his arrival.
