Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been introduced as the brand new Chicago Bears head coach.
Johnson was considered one of a minimum of 17 candidates for the function and can take over a Bears workforce that completed backside of the NFC North this season, regardless of profitable 4 of their first six video games.
Chicago (5-12) misplaced 10 straight after their promising begin, together with a 23-20 defeat at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day that led to the firing of coach Matt Eberflus on November 29 and noticed Thomas Brown change into interim coach for the rest of the season.
Johnson spent three seasons as Detroit’s offensive coordinator underneath Dan Campbell and helped flip Jared Goff into one of many NFL’s finest quarterbacks, with the 38-year-old extensively thought-about the highest head-coaching candidate available on the market.
“The Chicago Bears are a world-class franchise with a phenomenal history and incredible fanbase,” Johnson mentioned. “Having been on the opposing sideline, I can attest to how passionate Bears followers are about this metropolis and their workforce, and I’m honoured to be their head coach.
“My household and I are extremely blessed and lucky to take this subsequent step in our journey, and I can’t wait to steer our gamers, our help workers and group, whereas doing so on the service of Bears followers. We’re trying ahead to completely ingraining ourselves within the nice metropolis of Chicago, as we work to create an impression on this particular group.
“I am excited to partner with Ryan [Poles, Chicago Bears general manager] and the entire organization as we work to create a championship-caliber program. We are ready to get to work.”
Johnson set for Bears problem
The Bears confirmed interviewing 17 candidates earlier than appointing Johnson. That checklist included former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, former Inexperienced Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy and former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who bought the job as head coach of the New England Patriots.
“A proven leader with winning pedigree and a mind toward innovation, we are excited to welcome Ben and his family to Chicago as our head coach,” Bears common supervisor Ryan Poles mentioned. “Throughout our search process, I was thoroughly impressed by Ben’s character, intelligence, leadership and ability to connect.
“A progressive offensive mind, Ben’s plan for all three phases of our team, which is centered on creating a winning and competitive environment, became evidently clear. Meeting with Ben and gaining an understanding of his process and vision, the more confident we became that Ben is the right leader for our team.
“It’s simple how passionate Ben is for serving within the function of head coach of the Chicago Bears, and we’re primed, outfitted and excited to welcome him and his household to Chicago and to start our means of constructing a championship-calibre workforce, collectively. That is only the start.”
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Check out the most effective trick performs from the Detroit Lions within the 2024 NFL season, together with Jared Goff catching touchdowns, lateral passes and even faux fumbles
Chicago has simply three playoff appearances because the 2006 workforce received the NFC, whereas their lone Tremendous Bowl title got here through the 1985 season. The Bears haven’t received a postseason sport because the 2010 workforce superior to the convention title sport underneath Lovie Smith.
The Bears got here into this season searching for a playoff spot after making some high-profile strikes within the offseason, highlighted by Williams’ arrival and a blockbuster commerce with the Los Angeles Chargers for six-time Professional Bowl receiver Keenan Allen.
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Talking on the Contained in the Huddle podcast, Neil Reynolds and Jeff Reinebold mirrored on the progress of Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams within the opening weeks of the NFL season
Their season went off the rails after a 4-2 begin, main them to fireside a head coach throughout a season for the primary time after they eliminated Eberflus following a collection of poor late-game selections. Additionally they fired an offensive coordinator for the second time in lower than a yr, with Shane Waldron lasting simply 9 video games after changing Luke Getsy.
Brown, who started the season as passing sport coordinator, took over for Waldron after which turned interim coach a couple of weeks later. His solely win as head coach got here towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers within the remaining match of the common season.
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