During the Chicago Bears’ entire head coach hiring process, it sure seemed like hotshot ex-Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was a perfect match for bright young quarterback Caleb Williams.
The not-so-subtle issue was whether Johnson would overlook the rest of the Bears’ rampant dysfunction and disorganization. For one of the better NFL coaching candidates in recent memory, that’s no small thing. If someone like him is going to commit to striking out on his own with his own team, he’s gotta have assurances the opportunity is genuinely worth it.
Evidently, whatever the Bears did worked because Johnson officially signed his coaching contract with the franchise on Tuesday. And when he entered Bears headquarters at Halas Hall, he was met with … a standing ovation.
Almost like everyone in the building couldn’t believe he actually picked them. I don’t blame anyone for thinking that:
Ben Johnson 5 seconds after arriving at the Chicago Bears facility:
“NOW EVERYONE GET BACK TO WORK!!!”
“In all seriousness, this is exactly where we wanted to be. This is EXACTLY where we wanted to be.” pic.twitter.com/xEhBmosybH
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) January 21, 2025
How about that sense of humor from Johnson, jokingly insisting everyone get back to work after they clap for him? That’s one way to make an entrance.
The Bears got the big fish of this coach hiring cycle. He’s a guy who might turn Caleb Williams into a perennial MVP-caliber quarterback.
Honestly, it’s still pretty hard to believe.
