The Chicago Bears have hired Ben Johnson as their new head coach. The NFC North team fought off the interest from the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars for Johnson and landed the most coveted head coach in this year’s NFL coaching cycle.
The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator’s arrival in Chicago has excited the team’s fans. Jaquan Brisker also reacted to the news about his new head coach by posting a message on social media.
Jaquan Brisker Reacts to Bears Hiring Ben Johnson
The Bears drafted Brisker with the 48th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played just five games this past season as the emerging star suffered the third documented concussion of his career in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers and the team didn’t want to jeopardize his long-term health.
The Bears finished the season 5-12 and needed major changes to their coaching staff to compete in 2025. Ryan Poles, the team’s general manager, managed to get Johnson, and it seems like the players wanted him as well.
Brisker reacted to the news of Johnson’s arrival by sharing a GIF of the Joker from the movie “The Dark Knight.” You can check it out below:
Boom! https://t.co/A28xG0asWb pic.twitter.com/7tymIu380g
— Quanny B. (@JaquanBrisker) January 20, 2025
The Bears safety also replied to Barstool’s Big Cat’s post on X (formerly known as Twitter), in which he discussed how Chicago might have paid a significant amount of money to get Johnson. He praised the franchise for taking a big swing and speculated about a new era for the team.
“New times. What a move, it’s time, my guy,” wrote Brisker.
As mentioned earlier, Johnson was also pursued by other teams. The Bears were linked with Mike McCarthy, and many thought the former Dallas Cowboys head coach would get the job. The NFC North franchise got the fan-favorite choice, which, right now, looks to be a great decision.
Brisker will be in the last year of his contract next season and will hope to have a big campaign under presumably new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to get paid well, who has a rumored connection. The Bears’ offensive players will finally be allowed to showcase their real talent and play exciting football.
Caleb Williams Will Be at His Best Under New HC
Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a decent rookie season. However, since his expectations were high for him, many think the USC product had an underwhelming campaign.
In 17 games for the team, he threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, completing 62.5% of his throws with a passer rating of 87.8. We saw some flashes of his potential but were limited due to the Bears’ offensive line struggles.
Williams was sacked 68 times in his rookie season and, at times, looked helpless due to the poor coaching. Johnson becoming the head coach of the Bears is the best thing that could happen to the young quarterback.
The former Lions OC will prioritize improving the offensive line and allowing Williams to be himself and play aggressive football. Johnson will also bring out the best in players like DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, who also didn’t have a good season.
The Bears have the 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft and are projected to have $69.3 million in cap space next season. Johnson and Poles will work hard to improve the roster this upcoming offseason. Chicago can be a contender next season if they strengthen their areas of need and the new head coach lives up to his reputation.