On Jan. 21, 2025, it was announced that the Chicago Bears would be hiring Ben Johnson as their next head coach. Johnson replaced Matt Eberflus who was fired midway through the 2024 season.
Johnson was viewed as a hot commodity among teams looking for new head coaches. He was previously the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, helping the team create one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL.
NFL World Reacts to Ben Johnson Signing $65 Million Contract
Although Johnson was hired by the Bears a few weeks ago, the terms of his contract had not been determined. That changed, however, on Monday, Feb. 3, when ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reported that Johnson signed a huge, five-year, $65 million contract with the Bears.
With the contract paying Johnson $13 million annually, the football world reacted to this huge news on X.
“Yikes! Moves him to #7 highest paid HCs in front of John Harbaugh, Cambell, Sirianni, LeFleur and ect. Risky for a first time HC,” one fan wrote.
Yikes! Moves him to #7 highest paid HCs in front of John Harbaugh, Cambell, Sirianni, LeFleur and ect. Risky for a first time HC
— Corey English (@cenglish36) February 3, 2025
“They basically paid him established or second contract coach money I think it was a smart move by the Bears,” one fan commented.
“And he probably won’t have to even show up for work for the last 3 years of that contract…and still get paid. If history is any lesson on the Chicago Bears,” one fan added.
And he probably won't have to even show up for work for the last 3 years of that contract…and still get paid.
If history is any lesson on the @ChicagoBears
— SciroccoMark (@MarkCoffin14) February 3, 2025
Fans continued to discuss the signing on X.
“If he messes up year one they probably let him go because that’s the Bear thing to do,” one fan wrote.
If he messes up year one they probably let him go because that’s the Bear thing to do.
— S. C. Romero (@ThePPRShow) February 3, 2025
“Respect to the Bears front office for actually going for it for once. It could backfire but at least they’re trying,” one fan commented.
“Doesn’t count against the cap so who cares. Give him $20m if that’s what it took,” one fan added.
Doesn’t count against the cap so who cares. Give him $20m if that’s what it took.
— Jacek (@Jacek21) February 3, 2025
The Bears have had a troubled history with head coaches in recent years. Lovie Smith, who coached Chicago from 2004 to 2012, is the last HC to coach the team for more than three years. Since then, the team has been stuck in a coaching carousel that never seems to end.
For an offensive-minded coach, Johnson comes into an interesting situation. He has one of the best young quarterbacks in the league in Caleb Williams, but the team has struggled around him. Still, if Johnson can help the team get even a little bit better offensively, Chicago could make the playoffs because of how good its defense proved to be last year.