On Monday, the Chicago Bears introduced that they employed Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to develop into their subsequent head coach.
Johnson is changing Matt Eberflus, who was the primary head coach to be fired in-season within the 100-year historical past of the Bears group after a comically dangerous mismanagement throughout Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day recreation.
At simply 38 years previous, Johnson has revitalized the profession of Jared Goff in Detroit. However now the entire stress is on him to reach Chicago.
That’s all due to Caleb Williams.
Bear in mind, the Bears drafted Williams because the “can’t miss” quarterback prospect out of USC with the No. 1 general choose within the 2024 NFL Draft. His rookie 12 months was not dangerous, but it surely definitely didn’t come wherever near the hype that was marketed.
Eberflus was a multitude, however Chicago someway bought worse when he was let go. At simply 38 years previous, Johnson’s first gig as a head coach shall be to convey the Bears again to relevance within the NFC North, which might look rather a lot totally different subsequent 12 months.
After an early playoff exit, the Minnesota Vikings might transfer on from quarterback Sam Darnold in free company and provides the keys of the franchise to their very own younger quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, who missed his total rookie season with a torn meniscus. The Lions shall be with out Johnson and certain with out defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, in order that total group will look totally different. The Inexperienced Bay Packers is likely to be the one constant staff– however they’re fairly rattling good.
The Bears aren’t in a spot the place they’ll afford to be dangerous for for much longer. They’ve a handful of veterans on their roster which are able to win now. They’re within the warmth of negotiations concerning a brand new stadium. Oh yeah, and Williams is on his rookie deal, the place we have seen organizations get determined and cater to each want of their premier quarterback.
With the Vikings and Lions hopefully taking even a small step backward, Johnson has little time to waste because the lead man within the Windy Metropolis. He’s bought Williams on a rookie contract for 4 extra seasons. That’s often the candy spot for groups to capitalize on an inexpensive quarterback with proficient veterans and make some noise within the playoffs. For instance, take a look at what the Washington Commanders are doing with Jayden Daniels, who’s including much more stress onto the scenario in Chicago.
Johnson was additionally arguably one of the best remaining head teaching candidate. The New England Patriots shortly employed Mike Vrabel, and the Las Vegas Raiders have been additionally reportedly courting Johnson, so credit score the Bears for dashing this course of up and hiring their man.
In response to experiences, Williams advocated for the Bears to rent Johnson, and that is now a pairing that completely must work. If Williams doesn’t begin dazzling the airways quickly, Johnson may very well be again to a coordinator job because the Bears will work tirelessly to make this draft choose work.
There’s little motive to imagine that it gained’t. When the Lions acquired Goff from the Los Angeles Rams, many across the league believed that he was a “throw-in” a part of the commerce with first-round picks. However Johnson had him trying like an MVP candidate in a really quick period of time.
The Bears have a bit of little bit of expertise. It’s not like it is a utterly dangerous roster. Because of their incompetence in 2024, in addition they have the No. 10 general choose, which must be an impression participant.
There’s a number of stress on Johnson, however there’s little motive to imagine that he can’t deal with it.
