Ben Johnson, the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, is determined to avoid making the same mistake that led to his predecessor Matt Eberflus’s firing. In an interview with FS1’s “Breakfast Ball” and “The Herd,” Johnson was asked what he would do if his quarterback took a sack with a timeout in his pocket in a crucial situation. Johnson joked that “we’re not going there today” and motioned as if he would’ve called a timeout, alluding to Eberflus’s mistake in a previous game.
Johnson’s plan for the Bears focuses on accountability, integrity, and execution. He believes in having open dialogue between coaches and players, including the quarterback, to ensure everyone is on the same page. He also emphasized the importance of developing his young quarterback, Caleb Williams, who had an underwhelming rookie season.
Johnson’s past success as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, where he turned the team from the bottom of the league’s offense to the highest-scoring in 2022, has raised expectations for the Bears. He wants to establish a strong running game, which he believes can help elevate Williams’ performance. Johnson was “encouraged” by what he saw from Williams in 2024 and recognizes that the quarterback’s dual-threat abilities will shape the direction of the offense.
Johnson also wants to bring a gritty, never-give-up attitude to the Bears, similar to the one that helped the Lions reach new heights under his predecessor, Dan Campbell. He believes this mindset will help the team overcome adversity and achieve success. As he starts his new role, Johnson is determined to make a positive impact on the team and the city of Chicago.
