Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson contacted former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen late in the 2024 season to see if the experienced coach would be open to working with a first-time NFL head coach.

“Towards the end of the season, he reached out to me to see if I’d be interested,” Allen explained during his introductory press conference, via Sports Illustrated. “I told him that I would be.”

Lions fans were upset upon learning that Johnson had begun laying the groundwork for a future opportunity while still focused on his current team’s Super Bowl aspirations.

“I felt like I had a connection with Ben, even though I didn’t really know him,” said Allen.

“I think he leaned on people I knew, and I did the same for him, and we both felt like it would be a good fit.”

Allen emphasized that he wants the Bears’ defense to play aggressively and adopt a tough, physical style week in and week out.

“We want to dictate the tempo to the offense and not let them control the game. We’ll be aggressive,” Allen stated.

“We’ll challenge everything, play the game the right way, and bring a tough, physical brand of football.”