The Chicago Bears made it official on Monday, hiring Ben Johnson as their new head coach. Johnson spent the past six years on the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff, where he was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022. Under his leadership, the Lions finished as a top-four offense in each of his three seasons at the helm, with Detroit having the league’s best scoring offense in 2024, averaging 33.2 points per game.

This success led to Johnson receiving a substantial offer. While the exact details of his deal with the Bears haven’t been disclosed, sources suggest the 38-year-old first-time head coach will earn $13 million annually, according to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.

If these numbers are accurate, Johnson would become the seventh-highest-paid head coach in the NFL, per BOOG on X. Currently, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan ranks sixth at $14 million annually, while longtime Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh was previously seventh, making $12 million a season.

Now, Johnson slots in at seventh place, assuming the reported deal stands. While it’s not as high as Andy Reid’s $20 million yearly salary with the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s still a significant figure for a young, untested head coach who was previously a coordinator.

The Bears’ offer was likely necessary, as Johnson had become a highly sought-after coaching prospect, drawing interest from multiple teams. The fact that the Bears hired him without an in-person interview shows the level of demand for his services.

Despite the Lions’ season ending in disappointment with a loss to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional round, Johnson’s work with Jared Goff over the past few years convinced the Bears that he was the right person to develop former first overall pick Caleb Williams.

Chicago was clearly focused on hiring an offensive-minded coach capable of maximizing Williams’ potential. The Bears had a tough rookie season with Williams, which led to the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus following a humiliating loss to the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.

Now, the Bears are hoping Johnson will be the savior they need. While it remains to be seen if he can lead an entire team, not just an offense, fans in Chicago have renewed optimism. After only one winning season in the last 12 years, they finally have a reason for hope.