Bears' New HC Ben Johnson - Michael Reaves/Getty Images
To the surprise of the fan base, the Chicago Bears made a roaring head coaching hire for the first time in a long time.
Since Chicago fired Lovie Smith after the 2012 season, the Bears have seen a revolving door of uninspiring head coaches, leading to an abysmal (76-120) record from 2013-24.
Let’s see if the new incoming coach can lead the Bears to a Super Bowl like Smith did in the 2006-07 season by bringing his coaching expertise to teach Caleb Williams everything he knows.
How Johnson Will Coach Williams
Johnson had a specific style for coaching quarterbacks. As the Lions’ offensive coordinator, he constantly communicated with Jared Goff on the sidelines and on the field.
While totaling a 45.5 QBR in his inaugural season with Detriot, the 2021 Lions struggled under Goff. Since that season, the veteran quarterback posted three straight seasons with a QBR in the 60’s.
This past season, he tallied a career-best 68.4 while guiding the Lions to a franchise-best 15-win season.
Nevertheless, from the Rams’ decision to dump Goff to his being an MVP candidate this season, Johnson has done a remarkable job fixing his throwing mechanics, saving Goff’s NFL career.
The Bears can only hope that Johnson will save Williams’ career now having to coach against the Lions twice a year in the 2025 NFL season.
Williams’ younger age and less maturity than Goff may speed up the procedure. In addition, he believes Johnson is the type of coach he wants to work with and be held accountable to.
How Williams feels about Johnson Coaching Him
Even though Williams had all this talent around him, his rookie year didn’t go that well.
Sure, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen were additional veteran receiver talents. Still, the coaching he received from Matt Eberflus was too easygoing. There was no one on the staff to hold the rookie responsible for his mistakes.
This included former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who was very “laid back” and let things go.
Therefore, he couldn’t contain his excitement when he heard the news about Johnson coming to coach him next year.
Williams wanted an offensive head coach who takes pride in accountability and communication.
Additionally, the young quarterback wanted someone who was “strong-minded” and a “leader of men.” Johnson learned that from being under the ultimate leader in Lions’ head coach, Dan Campbell.
What Offense Could Look Like in 2025
In 2024, Williams had a 62.5 completion percentage and 3,541 yards passing. He also had 20 touchdowns and six interceptions with an 87.8 passer rating.
His poor offensive play put him on his back, and he was sacked 68 times last season for 466 yards.
Under Johnson, the Bears can expect to upgrade the offensive line to protect Williams better.
Nonetheless, Williams will be able to run their offense if they increase their play-action passes after getting the ground game going and adding a running back.
The talented quarterback will still see time in the shotgun under Johnson, but expect him to see more time under center.
By adding head coach Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears, let’s hope he helps both Caleb Williams and the team to a 2025 winning season.
