Bears Empty the Brinks Truck for New HC Ben Johnson

 

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This analysis based on the ESPN article (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43627047/nfl-bears-ben-johnson-coach-contract-caleb-williams)

Are things finally changing in Halas Hall? On January 21, 2025, former OC of the Detroit Lions and offensive guru Ben Johnson became the new head coach for the Chicago Bears. If you had taken a poll when the head coaching carousel began, odds are the general belief was that the Bears were #1 not going to pay top market money to get the most sought after coach and #2 mess it up. But after the dust has settled it is clear that GM Ryan Poles, President Kevin Warren, & Chairman George McCaskey, were all in alignment to doing whatever it took to get Johnson to Chicago. This act serves as an anomaly when compared to all of the head coaches hired since Lovie Smith was fired in 2012. It has been a cycle of dysfunction and none more obvious than the most recent HC Matt Eberflus. He was not a highly targeted head coach candidate and ended up with the 3rd worst percentage as a head coach in Bears history (.304). His time in Chicago came to an end in epic proportions highlighted by the Hail Mary in Washington and the Thanksgiving disaster in Detroit. Simply put, things had to change.

The change that Chicago desperately needed is in the form of Ben Johnson. A meticulous, intentional, creative individual, who is tasked with helping QB Caleb Williams reach his full potential and transform this Bears team's identity. His time in Detroit helps illustrate his ability to turn around a struggling franchise. Although you can point to HC Dan Campbell as being the main catalyst, the Lions don't become one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFC without Johnson and his offense. Furthermore, offense particularly has been a struggle for the Bears in most of their history. Nothing spells that out more than the fact they are the only franchise to never have a 4,000 yard passer. Johnson's offensive mind is every bit worth the $13 million/year the Bears have committed over the next 5 years. In order for culture to change, you have to engage in what makes you uncomfortable. So credit to the Bears front office for barring no expense in what could be the move that finally turns this franchise around.