“I want this job!” Those were the first words former Lions offensive coordinator and new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson told team chairman George McCaskey during his interview for the position, according to a story from Courtney Cronin of ESPN.
Cronin detailed the interview process for Johnson and for the Bears that led to Johnson taking over the lead role in Chicago, which was officially announced on January 21. Johnson was one of 17 candidates to interview for the job, including former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and two coaches that landed jobs in other places, Mike Vrabel (Patriots) and Pete Carroll (Raiders).
Chicago first interviewed Johnson on January 11, during Detroit’s bye week in the playoffs. That allowed the Bears to set up a second interview with Johnson after Detroit’s season ended in the Divisional Round. The Bears, however, waited a bit out of respect to Johnson, allowing him time to recover after the Lions’ 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders.
“The Bears’ contingent ultimately decided against making the trip, opting to let Johnson deal with the disappointment of losing as the NFC’s No. 1 seed,” wrote Cronin. “Johnson had spurned previous head coaching opportunities because he wanted to win a Super Bowl with Detroit, but now he knew he would be moving on.”
Chicago couldn’t wait too long, however. The Las Vegas Raiders were reportedly lurking and ready to strike for Johnson with a group that included minority owner, 7-time Super Bowl winner and Fox’s No. 1 game analyst Tom Brady.
“Though the Bears wanted to respect Johnson’s time and space, there also was a sense of urgency,” wrote Cronin. “There was a feeling Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady was making a push for Johnson, and even if the Bears didn’t believe that to be true, there were other openings Johnson might consider. The Bears emphasized ‘culture and the quarterback’ during the interviews, according to someone familiar with the process, and they were convinced Johnson would excel on both counts, including maximizing Caleb Williams’ potential.”
Not only did Johnson seem to have the support of the top brass in Chicago, but the fans were also showing their strong support in wanting Johnson to come coach quarterback Caleb Williams.
According to Cronin’s story, Bears president Kevin Warren went to dinner with his wife, Greta, at Old Pueblo Cantina. Cronin wrote, “With the (Commanders-Lions) game on the bar’s big screen, Bears fan Chris Stein sent two shots of tequila to the Warrens with a note written by Stein’s girlfriend, Ryanne Braun.
“‘Kevin,
Please, hire Ben!!’
Warren responded by sending back two shots. Message received.”
Johnson reportedly received a five-year contract worth $13 million per year, a very high number for a first-year coach, but as Cronin noted in her story, the Bears weren’t “cutting corners” when it came to paying Johnson. His annual salary is more than double what the Bears were paying former head coach Matt Eberflus ($6 million).
Johnson is now tasked with working with 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and an offense that ranked 26th in expected points added (EPA) per play, at -0.08. For reference, Johnson’s Lions ranked No. 3 in that category at 0.15. Only the Baltimore Ravens (0.21) and Buffalo Bills (0.18) fared better. Johnson had turned down head coaching positions in that, including the opening for the Carolina Panthers last offseason that ultimately went to Dave Canales. This is one he wanted and he’s eager and excited to get to work, especially with Williams.
“Having a quarterback helps,” Johnson said at his introductory press conference on January 22.
Johnson had blended youth and experience at the top of his coaching staff. Former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen will be Johnson’s defensive coordinator while 28-year-old Declan Doyle, who spent the last two seasons as tight ends coach for the Denver Broncos, will be his offensive coordinator. Make no mistake about it, this is Johnson’s offense, but Doyle is considered a rising star in the coaching community. Johnson retained special teams coordinator Richard Hightower from Eberflus’ staff.
Detroit will sorely miss Johnson, but deep down, they knew it was his time. The Lions hired Broncos’ passing game coordinator John Morton as their new offensive coordinator. For Johnson, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime at a place Johnson is already familiar with. Not just because of the Lions’ rivalry with the Bears, but as Johnson said in his introductory press conference, “For the last 10-plus years, my family and I have been coming up for a Cubs series every summer. And it doesn’t take long to realize this place is special. These people are special.” In case you’re wondering, the Cubs visit the Tigers June 6-8.
A special place and a special opportunity for a special coach in Lions’ lore.