The Chicago Bears have appointed Ben Johnson, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, as their new head coach.

This strategic move aims to revitalize the Bears’ offense, especially under the leadership of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Johnson’s tenure with the Lions was marked by a remarkable transformation of their offensive unit. Over the past two seasons, his offense led the league, averaging 30.1 points and 402.2 yards per game. In 2024, the Lions set a franchise record with an average of 409.5 yards per game and scored 68 total offensive touchdowns, the highest in the NFL.

The Bears secured Johnson with a substantial contract of $13 million per year, positioning him as the seventh-highest-paid coach in the NFL for the 2024 season. This investment reflects the organization’s confidence in Johnson’s ability to replicate his offensive success in Chicago.

In his introductory press conference, Johnson expressed enthusiasm about the team’s potential, referring to the Bears as a “sleeping giant.” He emphasized plans to build the offense around Williams, aiming to enhance the quarterback’s development and overall team performance.

This coaching change signifies a new direction for the Bears as they strive to improve upon their recent performance and become competitive contenders in the NFC North division.