ANNOUNCEMENT: Chicago Bears’ front office made a significant announcement today as the team officially hired Ben Johnson as their new Head Coach.

Ryan Poles Issues Statement After Bears Make Ben Johnson Hire Official… 

The Chicago Bears’ front office made a significant announcement today as the team officially hired Ben Johnson as their new Head Coach. This move has been widely anticipated following the Bears’ decision to revamp their coaching staff after a challenging 2023 season. Ryan Poles, the Bears’ general manager, released a statement following the official confirmation of Johnson’s hiring, underscoring the importance of this decision for the franchise’s future.

In the statement, Poles highlighted Johnson’s qualifications and his potential to develop the Bears’ offense into one of the league’s most dynamic units. Johnson, who has been a rising star in the NFL coaching ranks, comes to Chicago with a reputation for creating innovative, high-powered offenses that capitalize on the strengths of his players.

Poles expressed his excitement about the hire, stating, “Ben is one of the brightest young minds in the NFL today. His ability to develop creative offensive schemes, while also maximizing the talent around him, is something that really stood out to us throughout this process. His offensive philosophy aligns with what we believe in as a team – a commitment to explosive plays, smart decision-making, and putting our players in the best position to succeed.”

For Poles, the selection of Johnson was about more than just finding a talented play-caller. It was about finding someone who could fit within the broader vision of the Bears’ rebuild. The team has undergone significant turnover in recent seasons, from personnel changes to a new coaching staff. As part of that vision, the offensive coordinator needed to be someone who not only understood the intricacies of the modern NFL offense but also someone who could develop a strong rapport with the young talent on the roster, especially quarterback Justin Fields.

Since being drafted in 2021, Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, but the Bears have struggled to consistently surround him with the support needed to reach his full potential. Johnson’s track record with quarterbacks, particularly his work with Jared Goff in Detroit, is a key reason for his hiring. Under Johnson’s tutelage, Goff experienced one of his most productive seasons, leading the Detroit Lions to one of the league’s top offenses in 2023. Goff, who had been seen as a quarterback with limitations early in his career, flourished in Johnson’s system, showcasing improved decision-making, a better deep ball, and enhanced accuracy.

Poles acknowledged this factor in his statement, saying, “One of the things that excites us the most about Ben is his ability to develop and elevate quarterbacks. Justin has a ton of potential, and we believe Ben is the right coach to unlock that potential and take his game to the next level. We’ve seen the way he’s worked with quarterbacks in the past, and we’re confident he’ll bring the best out of Justin, as well as the other players on offense.”

The Bears’ offensive struggles in recent seasons have been well-documented. Despite having a dynamic and talented quarterback in Fields, the team has failed to put together a consistently high-performing offense. The offensive line has been shaky, and the skill position players have often failed to provide the necessary support. In addition, previous offensive coordinators struggled to adapt their game plans to match Fields’ unique skill set, particularly his running ability and strong arm.

Johnson’s hire signals a shift toward a more modern, flexible offensive approach that takes advantage of a mobile quarterback’s strengths. The Bears will look to implement more creative designs, play-action passes, and read-option concepts, with an emphasis on downfield throws and explosive plays. These are all areas in which Fields has shown promise, but has yet to see full consistency in an NFL offense. Johnson’s playbook will likely include a healthy dose of play-action, rollouts, and quarterback-designed runs, all of which will give Fields the chance to attack defenses both through the air and on the ground.

Beyond his work with quarterbacks, Johnson’s offense in Detroit also relied heavily on establishing a strong running game, something that will be crucial for the Bears as they look to build a more balanced offensive unit. Poles has already taken steps to improve the Bears’ running back depth and offensive line, and Johnson will play a key role in utilizing these resources effectively. With a talented backfield featuring players like Khalil Herbert and rookie Roschon Johnson, the Bears will be well-positioned to establish a power-running game that complements their passing attack.

While Johnson’s hire is a significant step in the Bears’ rebuilding process, Poles made it clear that the organization is committed to continued improvement. “This is just one piece of the puzzle,” Poles stated. “Ben’s addition is a crucial part of our plan to build a sustainable, long-term winner in Chicago. But we know that it takes more than just one coach or one player to turn a franchise around. This is a team effort, and we’re committed to surrounding Ben with the right resources, and continuing to build a roster that can compete for championships.”

As for Johnson, the offensive coordinator expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Bears. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the Chicago Bears organization,” Johnson said in his own statement. “There is so much talent here, and I’m excited to help develop that talent into something special. I’m ready to work with Justin, our other players, and our coaching staff to build an offense that the city of Chicago can be proud of.”

The hiring of Ben Johnson represents a major step forward for the Chicago Bears as they continue to build for the future. With a young quarterback in Fields, a solid offensive foundation, and a coach with a proven track record of success, the Bears are positioning themselves to be a formidable force in the NFC North and beyond. While the road ahead may be challenging, there is renewed optimism in Chicago with Johnson at the helm of the offense. Poles’ statement made it clear that the organization is fully committed to this process and will continue to make moves to ensure long-term success.