Ben Johnson has officially agreed to become the Chicago Bears' next head coach, stepping into the role previously held by Matt Eberflus, who was dismissed on November 29. Johnson, who has served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions over the past three seasons, will now become the 19th head coach in the storied 105-year history of the Bears franchise. Known for his innovative playcalling, Johnson is set to bring a fresh perspective to Chicago's offense.
During his tenure with the Lions, Johnson led the team to achieve top-10 offenses in the past two seasons, showcasing his ability to build and execute effective offensive strategies. His tenure in Detroit saw the Lions averaging at least 26 points per game each season, a testament to his impactful leadership. Johnson's reputation for creativity and innovation in playcalling has been praised by players such as quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
"We're going to cast a wide net," said general manager Ryan Poles.
Johnson's hiring comes after extensive interviews with several teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots. His availability followed the conclusion of the Lions' season, paving the way for his new role with the Bears. He will inherit a team that holds the No. 10 pick in the upcoming 2024 draft and possesses a projected $74.8 million in salary cap space, offering him ample resources to shape the team's future.
Johnson's immediate focus will be on elevating quarterback Caleb Williams, who endured a challenging rookie season with a league-high 68 sacks. Johnson's track record of improving quarterbacks is well-documented; he notably helped Jared Goff enhance his Total QBR from 46 to 63 in 2022. The Bears' offense, under Johnson's guidance, stands to benefit significantly from his creative approach, which was instrumental in Detroit's success.
"It's going to be a diverse group. This will be different backgrounds from offense, defense, special teams, college, pro. We're turning every stone to make sure we're doing this the right way… There's going to be some names that you don't expect that are going to surprise you because we're digging deeper than we ever have before," stated general manager Ryan Poles.
As Johnson takes on his new responsibilities, he will also be assembling his coaching staff. Former New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen is a leading candidate for the position of defensive coordinator in Chicago. This strategic move aims to bolster the Bears' defensive capabilities and complement Johnson's offensive vision.
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