Ben Johnson Takes Helm as Bears Head Coach, Vows to Transform Team

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Ben Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, was introduced as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears on Wednesday at Halas Hall. The 38-year-old coach, known for his innovative offensive strategies, emphasized his commitment to building a winning culture and maximizing the potential of a roster he described as “loaded with talent.”

Johnson, who spent the last five seasons with the Lions, including three as offensive coordinator, made a strong first impression during his 32-minute press conference. He thanked the Bears’ leadership, including chairman George H. McCaskey, President and CEO Kevin Warren, and general manager Ryan Poles, for their trust and support. “It was clear to me from the beginning that the priorities were straight,” Johnson said. “There’s only one way for us to have success here, and that’s having the right people in place.”

Poles, who introduced Johnson, expressed confidence in the new coach’s ability to lead the team. “Our entire organization is fired up about Ben Johnson,” Poles said. “Throughout the entire process, we came away really impressed with his passion, his leadership, his football IQ, and his vision for winning football.”

Johnson outlined his vision for the Bears, emphasizing accountability, integrity, and a team-first mentality. He also addressed the players directly, urging them to embrace discomfort as a path to growth. “The bar has been set higher than it’s ever been set before,” Johnson said. “The only way for this team, and for you as individual players, to reach your potential, is to be pushed and to be challenged.”

One of Johnson’s primary focuses will be developing quarterback Caleb Williams, who had an up-and-down rookie season. Johnson described Williams as a “phenomenal talent” and emphasized the importance of building an offense tailored to his strengths. “This offense will be calibrated around him,” Johnson said. “We’re going to build this thing from the ground up.”

Johnson’s offensive philosophy centers on attacking defenses with a versatile and unpredictable approach. “We want the defense on their heels,” he said. “We believe in multiplicity—both formationally and conceptually. We’re going to make things very challenging on the defense each and every week.”

In Detroit, Johnson orchestrated one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, leading the league in points and yards per game over the past two seasons. He aims to replicate that success in Chicago, though he acknowledged the need to adapt to the Bears’ personnel. “This entire offense is going to be predicated on the guys that we have available,” Johnson said.

Johnson also stressed the importance of complementary football, with a focus on integrating offense, defense, and special teams. “The whole key to this is being able to tie them together,” he said. “I will be heavily involved in all three phases.”

As the Bears embark on a new era under Johnson, the coach is determined to establish a culture of accountability and professionalism. “We’re going to do what we say we’re going to do,” Johnson said. “And if we fall short of that standard, there has to be consequences. That’s how we’re going to build a sustained winner here in Chicago.”