It's official: Bears announce the hiring of Ben Johnson as their new head coach

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears have made it official, announcing Ben Johnson as their head coach Tuesday and scheduling an introductory news conference for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Halas Hall.

The team issued its formal news release a day after news broke that the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator had agreed to join the Bears and was finalizing a deal.

In a statement, general manager Ryan Poles called Johnson “a proven leader with winning pedigree and a mind toward innovation.”

“Throughout our search process, I was thoroughly impressed by Ben’s character, intelligence, leadership and ability to connect,” Poles said. “A progressive offensive mind, Ben’s plan for all three phases of our team, which is centered on creating a winning and competitive environment, became evidently clear.”

A video the team posted on social media Tuesday captured the excitement of Johnson’s arrival at Halas Hall. As the 38-year-old coach entered the main lobby of team headquarters, he was greeted by a standing ovation from Bears employees and offered an impromptu speech.

“My family and I are beyond excited,” Johnson said. “This is exactly where we wanted to be. This is going to be a challenge. I’m well aware of that. I know what this division is about. And this is exactly where we want to be.”

Johnson’s hiring has created a surge of needed excitement in Chicago after the Bears (5-12) stumbled through a miserable 2024 season. They finished in last place in the NFC North by six games, had a 10-game losing streak and fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and coach Matt Eberflus during the season.

Two days after the Bears won their season finale at Lambeau Field, the organization promised to turn the page via a productive coaching search.

“We have so much going for us,” President/CEO Kevin Warren said. “We have incredible ownership. We have the best fan base in the world. We found a franchise quarterback. We have salary-cap space. We have draft capital. We live in a world-class city. We just have a lot of attributes going for us.”

Added Poles: “We’re digging deeper than we ever have before.”

After conducting a huge wave of initial interviews over a span of 12 days — the Bears announced meetings with 17 candidates — they quickly circled back with Johnson after the Lions season ended with Saturday’s 45-31 home playoff loss to the Washington Commanders.

That quick union between Johnson and the Bears was widely lauded across the NFL, with many seeing great potential in pairing an offensive mastermind and proven play caller with talented young quarterback Caleb Williams.

Last month, as Johnson prepared to face the Bears for the second time this season, he expressed admiration for Williams’ skill set and arm talent.

“There’s no question this guy’s talented,” Johnson said. “I remember standing on the sideline (on Thanksgiving) and you can hear the ball whistle by you. He has quite a fastball. And he has some creativity to him. He can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well.”

Johnson helped the Lions to a 15-2 record and their second consecutive NFC North title this season, guiding an offense that scored 68 touchdowns on the way to an NFL-best 33.2 points per game.

Quarterback Jared Goff was named to the Pro Bowl after throwing for 4,629 yards with 37 touchdown passes and a 111.8 passer rating. Four other Lions offensive players received Pro Bowl honors: running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive linemen Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow.

Johnson is best known for his play-calling prowess and willingness to be creative and fearless. He also has shown dedication to the running game with the Lions ranking third in rushing attempts this season and sixth in rushing yardage.

Players in Detroit have lauded Johnson’s forward and demanding leadership style, something the Bears hope to tap into.

Said Poles: “Meeting with Ben and gaining an understanding of his process and vision, the more confident we became that Ben is the right leader for our team and that he and I will be great partners in building our team and shaping our franchise for long-term success.”

Wednesday’s news conference will be Johnson’s first opportunity to publicly present his vision and program-building philosophies. He also has been busy building out a coaching staff, with buzz growing, according to ESPN, that the Bears might land former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen as their defensive coordinator.

Last month, when Johnson was asked generally about his aspirations of becoming an NFL head coach, he acknowledged his ambition.

“There’s a burning desire in every man to find what he’s made out of,” Johnson said, “to push the limits and see if he’s got what it takes. So, yeah, there’s a fire there.”

He breathed some of that fire while punctuating his lobby pep talk at Halas Hall.

“We’re going to go after this thing,” he said. “And it’s going to take all of us in this room. It’s going to take this locker room. There’s nothing more important than that locker room and us serving that locker room and those players. They need to understand that. And they need to feel that from us every single day.

“And if we do that? The wins are going to come. The playoffs are going to come.”