In the world of the NFL, change is inevitable, and for the Chicago Bears, this has never been truer. The Bears, one of the league’s oldest franchises, have long been a team in search of success. Despite moments of brilliance and historic achievements, the franchise has been stuck in a cycle of rebuilding, falling short in key areas year after year. However, 2023 marked the dawn of a new era for the Chicago Bears, one that promises a fresh approach, new leadership, and a brighter future for the franchise.
Central to this transformation is the decision made by general manager Ryan Poles to hire Ben Johnson, a rising star in the NFL coaching ranks, as the team’s offensive coordinator. Johnson’s hiring is a significant part of a broader strategy to revitalize the Bears, one that looks to blend new, dynamic thinking with a focus on building an offensive powerhouse.
This article takes an in-depth look at the implications of Ben Johnson’s hiring and how it fits into Ryan Poles’ grand vision for the Chicago Bears. It also explores the potential impact of this move on the team’s future performance, and what fans can expect from this exciting new chapter in the Bears’ storied history.
The Road to Ryan Poles’ Vision
Before diving into the specifics of Ben Johnson’s hiring, it’s important to understand the context in which this move occurred. Ryan Poles, who took over as general manager of the Bears in 2022, inherited a team in disarray. The Bears had struggled for years, both on offense and defense, and were in dire need of a cultural shift. The team had faced consistent issues with quarterback development, lackluster play calling, and poor decision-making across the board. In short, the Bears were a franchise in need of a complete overhaul.
Poles entered with a clear vision: to rebuild the team with a strong emphasis on developing young talent, specifically at quarterback, while creating a sustainable, balanced roster. In his first season as general manager, Poles made some significant moves. One of the most notable decisions was the trade of star linebacker Roquan Smith, which signaled the beginning of a new era — one focused on flexibility and long-term success.
Poles’ decision to move on from veteran players was followed by a commitment to finding the right coaching staff to foster growth and development. The Bears had previously been led by Matt Nagy, whose tenure was marred by inconsistent playcalling and a lack of success with quarterback development. Poles recognized that the franchise needed a new direction at the helm, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
The Ben Johnson Hiring: A Bold Move
In the search for an offensive coordinator, Ryan Poles cast a wide net, evaluating candidates who could bring fresh ideas, modern tactics, and a clear vision to the Bears’ offense. While there were many names on the table, the choice to hire Ben Johnson was a bold one, driven by the need to overhaul the offense and provide a framework for the development of Justin Fields, the Bears’ young quarterback.
Johnson, who had been serving as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, emerged as one of the most promising young coaches in the NFL. Under his leadership, the Lions’ offense had been transformed into one of the most dynamic in the league. In just two seasons, Johnson’s schemes had helped elevate the Lions’ offense, making them a formidable force in the NFC. His ability to get the most out of his players, especially quarterback Jared Goff, was evident in the Lions’ dramatic improvement over the past few seasons.
Johnson’s offensive philosophy is built on adaptability and a balanced attack that thrives on creativity, misdirection, and a strong play-action game. His emphasis on maximizing the strengths of his quarterback and surrounding him with weapons is a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the needs of the Bears.
The decision to bring Johnson to Chicago was not just about his impressive work with the Lions but also about his ability to work with a developing quarterback like Justin Fields. Fields had shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency in his first two seasons. His ability to make plays with his legs had kept the Bears competitive, but his development as a passer remained a key focus for the Bears moving forward. Johnson’s track record with quarterbacks made him an ideal candidate to help unlock Fields’ full potential.
The Impact on Justin Fields and the Bears Offense
Perhaps the most significant beneficiary of Ben Johnson’s hiring is quarterback Justin Fields. Fields, a former first-round pick in 2021, has shown immense promise but also had growing pains, particularly with accuracy and decision-making. The hiring of Johnson gives Fields a coach who knows how to develop a quarterback and build an offense around his strengths.
Johnson’s success with Jared Goff in Detroit is particularly notable. When Goff joined the Lions, many had written him off as a quarterback who couldn’t win big games. However, under Johnson’s guidance, Goff had one of his most productive seasons in 2022. Johnson was able to utilize Goff’s strengths — his ability to read defenses, make quick throws, and manage the game — while also getting the most out of his surrounding talent. For Fields, Johnson will bring a similar approach, focusing on developing his passing skills, improving his decision-making, and finding creative ways to use his dynamic running ability.
One of the keys to Johnson’s success with quarterbacks is his ability to tailor the offense to the specific strengths and weaknesses of his players. For Fields, that could mean creating an offense that blends traditional dropback passing with designed quarterback runs and play-action concepts. Johnson has also been known to incorporate a variety of formations and motions to confuse defenses and create opportunities for easy completions. These elements could significantly aid in Fields’ development, allowing him to build confidence while minimizing mistakes.
Additionally, Johnson’s ability to work with an offensive line is another promising aspect of his hiring. The Bears’ offensive line has been a weak link in recent seasons, often failing to provide Fields with the time and space he needs to make plays. Johnson’s use of quick passes, play-action, and bootlegs can help mitigate these concerns, providing the offensive line with opportunities to succeed while also giving Fields more time to make decisions.
Building a Dynamic Offensive Roster
Ben Johnson’s hiring is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s part of a broader strategy by Ryan Poles to create a more dynamic and dangerous offense. The Bears have already begun making moves to build around Fields and provide him with the tools to succeed.
In 2023, the Bears made significant additions to their receiving corps, bringing in players like DJ Moore, a Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver, to provide Fields with a legitimate number-one option. Alongside Moore, the team also added other key pieces, giving Fields a deeper and more talented group of receivers to work with.
The Bears also made moves to improve their offensive line, bringing in new talent to bolster the protection for Fields. With a more solidified offensive line and a deeper pool of receiving talent, the Bears’ offense is poised for a major leap under Johnson’s leadership.
Furthermore, Johnson’s experience with diverse offensive schemes and personnel groupings means that he will be able to work with the talent available to him, making sure that the offense is versatile and able to adapt to different situations. Whether it’s a fast-paced passing attack or a power-running game, Johnson will have the flexibility to adjust based on the strengths of his roster.
The Bigger Picture: A New Culture in Chicago
The hiring of Ben Johnson is part of Ryan Poles’ larger vision for the Bears. Poles understands that a team can’t succeed in the long term if it relies on short-term fixes and one-dimensional approaches. Instead, he has focused on building a team that can compete consistently, with an offense that can go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the league.
The addition of Johnson, a coach with a clear vision and a proven track record of success, represents the beginning of a cultural shift within the organization. No longer will the Bears rely on outdated schemes and conservative playcalling. Instead, they will embrace a more modern, dynamic approach that leverages the talent on their roster.
For Bears fans, the excitement surrounding the new era cannot be overstated. After years of frustration and mediocrity, the team finally has the leadership and vision needed to build a contender. Johnson’s hiring signals a fresh start, one that fans hope will bring success on the field and finally deliver the championship-caliber team the city of Chicago deserves.