Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been announced as the new Chicago Bears head coach.
Johnson was one of at least 17 candidates for the role and will take over a Bears team that finished bottom of the NFC North this season, despite winning four of their first six games.
Chicago (5-12) lost 10 straight after their promising start, including a 23-20 defeat at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day that led to the firing of coach Matt Eberflus on November 29 and saw Thomas Brown become interim coach for the remainder of the season.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson moves within the NFC North to the Chicago Bears
Johnson spent three seasons as Detroit’s offensive coordinator under Dan Campbell and helped turn Jared Goff into one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, with the 38-year-old widely considered the top head-coaching candidate on the market.
“The Chicago Bears are a world-class franchise with a phenomenal history and incredible fanbase,” Johnson said. “Having been on the opposing sideline, I can attest to how passionate Bears fans are about this city and their team, and I am honoured to be their head coach.
“My family and I are incredibly blessed and fortunate to take this next step in our journey, and I cannot wait to lead our players, our support staff and organization, while doing so at the service of Bears fans. We are looking forward to fully ingraining ourselves in the great city of Chicago, as we work to create an impact in this special community.
“I am excited to partner with Ryan [Poles, Chicago Bears general manager] and the entire organization as we work to create a championship-caliber program. We are ready to get to work.”
Johnson set for Bears challenge
The Bears confirmed interviewing 17 candidates before appointing Johnson. That list included former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy and former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who got the job as head coach of the New England Patriots.
“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,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said. “Throughout our search process, I was thoroughly impressed by Ben’s character, intelligence, leadership and ability to connect.
“A progressive offensive mind, Ben’s plan for all three phases of our team, which is centered on creating a winning and competitive environment, became evidently clear. Meeting with Ben and gaining an understanding of his process and vision, the more confident we became that Ben is the right leader for our team.
“It is undeniable how passionate Ben is for serving in the role of head coach of the Chicago Bears, and we are primed, equipped and excited to welcome him and his family to Chicago and to commence our process of building a championship-calibre team, together. This is just the beginning.”
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Take a look at the best trick plays from the Detroit Lions in the 2024 NFL season, including Jared Goff catching touchdowns, lateral passes and even fake fumbles
Chicago has just three playoff appearances since the 2006 team won the NFC, while their lone Super Bowl title came during the 1985 season. The Bears have not won a postseason game since the 2010 team advanced to the conference title game under Lovie Smith.
The Bears came into this season looking for a playoff spot after making some high-profile moves in the offseason, highlighted by Williams’ arrival and a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Chargers for six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen.
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Speaking on the Inside the Huddle podcast, Neil Reynolds and Jeff Reinebold reflected on the progress of Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in the opening weeks of the NFL season
Their season went off the rails after a 4-2 start, leading them to fire a head coach during a season for the first time when they removed Eberflus following a series of poor late-game decisions. They also fired an offensive coordinator for the second time in less than a year, with Shane Waldron lasting just nine games after replacing Luke Getsy.
Brown, who began the season as passing game coordinator, took over for Waldron and then became interim coach a few weeks later. His only win as head coach came against the Green Bay Packers in the final match of the regular season.
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