Chicago Bears Hire Ben Johnson as Head Coach After Matt Eberflus Fired
Chicago, IL – December 18, 2024 – The Chicago Bears have announced the hiring of Ben Johnson as their new head coach, following the firing of Matt Eberflus after a disappointing 5-9 season. Johnson, 37, previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, where he earned widespread acclaim for his innovative offensive schemes and ability to develop young quarterbacks.
Johnson’s high-powered offense in Detroit revitalized the Lions’ offense, which finished in the top 10 in total yards and points in the 2024 season. His impressive work with quarterback Jared Goff and his ability to maximize the potential of his players made him one of the hottest coaching candidates in the NFL. The Bears are hoping Johnson’s offensive expertise can help them build a successful future, especially with their promising young quarterback, Caleb Williams, at the center of the team’s plans.
“We are excited to bring Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears organization,” said Bears General Manager Ryan Poles. “His vision, creativity, and leadership have proven to be transformative in Detroit, and we believe he is the right person to lead this team into a new era of success. Our goal is to build a championship contender, and we believe Ben is the key to unlocking the potential of our young roster.”
Johnson’s hiring comes just days after Eberflus was let go following a 2-year tenure with the Bears. Eberflus, who was brought in to establish a strong defensive identity for the team, faced criticism for a lack of offensive development and consistent play at quarterback. Despite improvement on defense, the team struggled to put up points, leading to the decision to make a change.
“I’m honored and excited to take on this challenge as the next head coach of the Chicago Bears,” Johnson said in a statement. “This organization has a rich history, and I’m looking forward to working with our players, coaches, and fans to bring this team back to prominence. Together, we will build an offense that is dynamic, fast, and efficient.”
The Bears are hopeful that Johnson can bring stability and success to the organization, with the ultimate goal of competing for championships in the near future. His first task will be to mold the Bears’ offense into a high-performing unit while continuing to develop their defense.
The Bears’ decision to part ways with Eberflus signals a shift in direction for the franchise, as they now look to turn the page under their new head coach, Ben Johnson.
