Chicago Bears Sign Ben Johnson as New Head Coach
Chicago Wasted No Time Landing Their New Head Coach, Former Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson
Bears Pull Off NFC North Coaching Shuffle
Rejoice Chicago Bears fans, after a 2024 season that started with overwhelming hype and finished with underwhelming concerns; it seems as if the start of your team’s perils is ending.
According to NFL news reporter Adam Schefter, the Bears have finally decided who their new head coach will be, picking Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson to take over for next season and moving forward.

Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Ben Johnson as their head coach. (via @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/3gsGxegg5i
— NFL (@NFL) January 20, 2025
While details of a proposed deal have not been made public yet, NFL rumors sites have already started speculating on a potential $13 million salary coming Johnson’s way, putting him amongst the top 10 highest-paid coaches in the league.
Johnson, who for many was the hottest head coaching candidate hitting the market this season, will now be tasked with trying to revive or, in ways, build a much-needed winning culture for one of the league’s most historic teams.
“Ben Johnson has walked away from attractive job opportunities the last two years and declined to even interview with some teams this year. He chose the @ChicagoBears. That’s the big takeaway here. You don’t have to squint too hard to see it’s a major win for this organization.”… pic.twitter.com/iv0acy3UHY
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) January 21, 2025
At least for now, today, landing Johnson to be the Bears head coach should be taken by the team’s fans as one of the biggest wins in recent times.
Following that kind of reception from his new staff, it’s safe to say, Ben’s home and the Bears are ready to run through walls with him.
What Can Johnson’s Arrival Mean for Caleb Williams?
Do you know who’s probably jumping for joy following Johnson to the Bears news right now? Yes, Caleb Williams.
Following a lackluster first season in the pros, after being deemed by everybody as the NFL’s new generational talent to watch, Chicago kind of owes Williams the chance for a fresh start and outlook on how the game is played, even if Williams finished his season on a high note beating the Green Bay Packers.
Chicago’s franchise passer, who’ll be entering his second year with the team, had to go through as much crap in one season as some seasoned pros deal with in their entire careers. From seeing former coach Matt Eberflus get fired after Thanksgiving to dealing with constant public scrutiny on whether he was a bust or not, it’s time for Williams to get a second, first start.
Johnson could offer him just that and more.
How I woke up this morning knowing Ben Johnson is coming to Chicago
pic.twitter.com/05Vj4PtJqX— CHGO Sports (@CHGO_Sports) January 21, 2025
Considering Chicago’s defense can be taken as an already established and safe unit to work with, it’ll be on Williams and the offense to pull their weight and get up to par. And it’s not like Johnson doesn’t know what he’ll have to work with coaching Williams.
Having faced him twice this season, Caleb already showed he can get his, passing for 681 yards and five touchdowns in Chicago’s two games against the Lions.
Bears fans leaving work today knowing Ben Johnson just saved Caleb William’s career: pic.twitter.com/KqIVe8nLvL
— jack (@jack_bfr) January 20, 2025
In short, if appropriately worked, Johnson could turn this offense around immediately and try to replicate his achievements with Detroit, where he propelled the Lions’ attack to become a top-10 unit the last two seasons.
That, my friends, is precisely what any Bears betting odds fan wants to hear. No pressure though.
After Johnson, What’s Next on Chicago’s Agenda?
Following a season in which the Bears went from NFL picks and predictions darlings to a hot mess, it’s safe to say that following Johnson’s hiring, expectations will be running high at Soldier Field.
Besides Johnson, a couple more things to consider here is how Chicago will enter this offseason with the fifth-highest cap space to work with and the 10th pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
💥Caleb Williams entering Year 2
💥Top 5 in cap space
💥No. 10 pick in the draftBen Johnson has a ton to work with in Chicago pic.twitter.com/3zgHVVuI9b
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 20, 2025
Talk about a glow-up.
While it’s way too early to talk about potential free agency moves, we could talk about the draft though. In my first NFL mock draft, before Johnson’s hiring, I had the Bears taking Penn State defensive monster Abdul Carter with the 10th pick.
But considering the new change in dynamics, what if Chicago goes offense-first and shocks everyone, taking the draft’s best running back, Ashton Jeanty?
After the Ben Johnson news,
Would you be okay with drafting Ashton Jeanty at 10? 👀 pic.twitter.com/LKnZ3lYpwE
— BOOG (@BoogCB) January 20, 2025
Chicago has the QB. They have the receivers and tight end to go along. So why not go for an immediate impact rusher?
Lastly, the last question is, who will be part of Johnson’s staff?
From what’s being reported, it seems as if Chicago wants to go coach-shopping in New Orleans, showing a clear interest in fulfilling its new coach’s wishes of bringing in former Saints coach Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator and former interim coach Darren Rizzi as special teams coach.
Ben Johnson has been busy assembling a star-studded coaching staff. The leading candidate to become his defensive coordinator in Chicago is former Saints HC Dennis Allen, per league sources. pic.twitter.com/iJCbMLJSLe
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2025
Considering Johnson’s news is still as fresh as ever, there’s no arguing the Bears are setting the stage for what could be a massive overhaul for next season.