This week, Ben Johnson left the Detroit Lions after five seasons in various roles, most notably three successful years as offensive coordinator. He was immediately scooped up by the NFC North rival Chicago Bears and made a solid impression in his introductory press conference on Wednesday (Jan. 22).
Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson Trolls Media, Fans at Introductory Press Conference
The pressure on a first-time head coach during his first press conference in a big market like Chicago is insurmountable, but Johnson showed confidence and conviction. He also showed a humorous and relatable side that went viral.
Getting to know the press room and the media in it can be a challenge, but Johnson had fun with it.
When directed to his right by reporter Nicholas Moreano, Johnson gestured the left-right directional at the podium. It’s a simple yet helpful tool we’ve all used at one point or another in our lives.
While the gesture left some fans nervous about the Bears’ future, Johnson was merely trolling.
grown man doing the hand trick to tell his left from his right we are cooked 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/ZC1wkF2qJy
— Danny 🧌 (@CylinderAnalyst) January 22, 2025
“This made me like him 10 times more,” commented one Bears fan.
“I love it man, he’s so quick,” another wrote.
Johnson Has Challenge Ahead With Bears, Caleb Williams
Most head coach candidates don’t shy away from a challenge, and Johnson knew he had his work cut out for him with the Bears. A few playoff appearances withstanding, Chicago has been one of the worst teams in the NFC — and often the league — for decades.
There was hope for a turnaround when the Bears selected USC’s Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Instead, the team clawed its way to a disappointing 5-12 season, leaving fans disappointed, frustrated, and hungry for change.
Williams has star potential, and under Johnson and the right offensive coordinator, could develop into one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Johnson’s creative offensive mind makes him the perfect guy to make that happen for Williams, but there’s plenty of work to do. The Bears are in the market for a new offensive coordinator, and whoever lands the job will need to complement Johnson’s vision while helping elevate Williams and a roster that’s still a work in progress. It’s a tough job, but Bears fans are hopeful Johnson can turn things around.
Johnson’s Career With Detroit Lions Ends on High Note
For four seasons, Johnson revolutionized the Lions’ offense. What began as steady growth soon turned into a juggernaut, as Detroit’s offense was the best in the NFL, according to PFN’s Offense+ metric.
And for those who have high hopes for Williams as the franchise quarterback in Chicago, they only need to look at what he did for Jared Goff, who finished the 2024 season as the league’s second-best QB in PFN’s QB+ metric.
Johnson could take the Bears’ offense to new heights and improve Williams from the No. 33 overall QB ranking he garnered this season. Before Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator in Detroit in 2022, Goff ranked 26th.
Johnson’s experience bodes exceptionally well for a young Bears team that could grow under the guidance and fresh perspective of a 38-year-old first-time head coach. His combination of innovative passing sets, trick plays, and a bevy of rushing calls made Detroit’s offense completely unpredictable. With Williams and running back D’Andre Swift, he can also replicate some of that success in Chicago.
Going to a division rival will be a tough challenge, especially with the Lions’ fan base already throwing vitriol at their now-departed offensive coordinator. But, as his mindset suggests, Johnson is ready for the challenge.
