A New Era for the Bears: Ben Johnson’s Appointment Raises Eyebrows
The Chicago Bears are entering a new chapter after announcing the hiring of Ben Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, as their new head coach. Johnson, who played a key role in guiding the Lions’ offense to impressive numbers in 2024, was one of the top candidates this offseason. Detroit’s offense ranked first in the NFL in points per game (33.2) and second in total yards per game (409.5). His efforts earned him the title of NFL Assistant Coach of the Year from the Pro Football Writers of America, a recognition that led to a celebratory post from the Bears on social media.
However, this move has sparked criticism from fans. Many pointed out the awkwardness of the Bears promoting an award that came from Johnson’s success with a division rival, especially since Detroit had beaten Chicago twice in the 2024 season. Some fans took to social media to express their discontent, with one remarking, “The Bears are so bad, they’re celebrating someone else’s accomplishments.” Another fan added, “It’s typical of the Bears to promote a coach’s success with another team.” Others were frustrated by the team’s attempt to claim credit for Johnson’s recognition when he had only just started as head coach.
With the Bears coming off their fourth consecutive losing season and not making the playoffs since 2020, only time will tell if Johnson can lead the team to better results.
