Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been named the new head coach of the Chicago Bears.
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 loss at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day that led to the firing of coach Matt Eberflus on Nov. 29 and saw Thomas Brown become the interim coach for the remainder of the season. .
Johnson spent three seasons as Detroit’s offensive coordinator under Dan Campbell and helped turn Jared Goff into one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, with the 38-year-old widely considered the top coaching candidate on the market.
“The Chicago Bears are a world-class franchise with a phenomenal history and an incredible fan base,” Johnson said. “Being on the sidelines, I can attest to how passionate Bears fans are about this city and their team, and I’m honored to be their coach.
“My family and I are incredibly blessed and fortunate to be taking this next step in our journey and I look forward to leading our players, our support staff and the organization while doing so in service to Bears fans. We fully look forward to embedded in the great city of Chicago as we work to make an impact in this special community.
“I’m excited to partner with Ryan (Polish, Chicago Bears general manager) and the entire organization as we work to build a championship-caliber program. We’re ready to get to work.”
Johnson settled for the Bears’ challenge
The Bears confirmed they interviewed 17 candidates before naming 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 took over as coach of the New England Patriots.
“A proven leader with a winning pedigree and a mind for innovation, we are excited to welcome Ben and his family to Chicago as our head coach,” said Bears general manager Ryan Poles. “Throughout our search process, I was very impressed with Ben’s character, intelligence, leadership and ability to connect.
“A progressive offensive mind, Ben’s plan for all three phases of our team, which focuses on creating a winning and competitive environment, became abundantly clear. By meeting Ben and understanding his process and vision, so the more we became sure that Ben is the right leader for our team.
“It is undeniable how passionate Ben is about serving as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, and we are prepared, equipped and excited to welcome him and his family to Chicago and begin our process of building a team of champion caliber. 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 punts
Chicago has only three playoff appearances since the 2006 team won the NFC, while their only Super Bowl title came during the 1985 season. The Bears have not won a postseason game since the 2010 team advanced to the title game of the conference under the direction of Lovie Smith.
The Bears entered this season in pursuit of a playoff spot after making several high-profile moves in the offseason, highlighted by the arrival of Williams and a successful 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 Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ progress in the opening weeks of the NFL season
Their season derailed after a 4-2 start, prompting them to fire a coach during a season for the first time when they fired Eberflus after 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 the passing game coordinator, took over for Waldron and then became the interim head coach a few weeks later. His only win as a coach was against the Green Bay Packers in the final game of the regular season.
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