Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

“These people are special” Ben Johnson reveals why he chose to coach the Bears

Ben Johnson leads Bears' new era

Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears pulled no punches to secure Ben Johnson as head coach. They made him one of the highest-paid rookie head coaches with a five-year, $65 million contract—$13 million annually—far above the norm. By comparison, former head coach Matt Eberflus earned $6 million per year. A source confirmed, “The Bears didn’t cut corners” when it came to Johnson’s pay.

This massive offer reflects how much the Bears value Johnson. General Manager Ryan Poles, whose contract runs through 2026, is expected to get an extension to align with Johnson’s tenure. Despite rumors that Johnson might want to hire his own GM, sources confirmed he never made such a request. Johnson emphasized his trust in Poles, saying, “I truly believe in the character and integrity of this man… We are going to be locked at the hip and connected every step of the way with all the decisions that are made.”

Ben Johnson’s desire to test his limits

Johnson had long been a sought-after candidate, going through three straight hiring cycles. But did he truly want to leave his role as the Lions’ offensive coordinator? He answered that question mid-December when asked if he aspired to become a head coach: “I think there’s a burning desire in every man to find what he’s made out of and push the limits… There’s certainly a fire there.”

“I knew early on in the process that this is where I wanted to be.”

Bears HC Ben Johnson to @ScottBairNFL. pic.twitter.com/xy67FvTFgF
— Marquee Bears (@BearsMarquee) January 23, 2025

That fire was ignited on Jan. 20, when the Bears offered him the job. Lions fans, unsurprisingly, felt betrayed, especially since Johnson had interviews with multiple teams during Detroit’s playoff run. The situation became more bitter when Johnson, upon joining the Bears, praised the team and the city.

The Bears made Ben Johnson their top priority

Johnson’s interest in the Bears dates back to the 2024 hiring cycle, but Matt Eberflus was retained at the time. By 2025, however, Chicago’s offer was undeniable: a young quarterback in Caleb Williams, three top-75 draft picks, and the sixth-highest salary cap space in the league. The Bears also heavily emphasized their team culture and quarterback development plan during the interviews. Johnson’s passion for the job was evident from the start. His first words in the virtual interview were, “I want this job.”

“He’s a phenomenal talent.”

Ben Johnson says Caleb Williams ‘played a large component’ into his decision to be the Bears’ HC. pic.twitter.com/cexyIpDtf0
— Marquee Bears (@BearsMarquee) January 22, 2025

According to Albert Breer, Johnson aced every stage of the interview process. The search committee graded 17 candidates, and Johnson received the top score. His offensive success in Detroit played a key role. Under his leadership, the Lions finished in the top five for scoring over three seasons, peaking at 33.2 points per game this year.

But Johnson wanted the Bears to understand that he was more than just an offensive guru. During his press conference, he explained, “I really wanted to let those people know on every call… there was more substance than maybe I articulated in any media session or what you might see on the sideline.”

Why Ben Johnson chose the Bears

Johnson didn’t shy away from the Bears’ recent instability. Since 2011, the franchise has hired five head coaches and won just one playoff game. But Johnson saw potential. In his words, “This place is special. These people are special… For the last 10-plus years, my family and I have been coming up for a Cubs series every summer.”

He also praised the roster Poles built: “It’s stocked. It’s loaded. Everyone wants to talk about the quarterback, and Caleb, I’m excited to work with you, but it’s going to take more than just you… I can’t wait to get to work with the rest of you guys.”

Johnson knows the stakes are high. He accepted the challenge—and the payday—to lead the Bears back to contention. For Chicago, this bold move signals they’re all in on their new era. Lions fans can only hope it backfires.

Image: Imagn Images

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Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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