Video: Ben Johnson Details Jared Goff-Like Plan for Caleb Williams, Bears Offense
Jan 24, 2025
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 5: Quarterback Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, at Lambeau Field on January 5, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
After shaping the Detroit Lions' offense around Jared Goff for three seasons, newly-hired Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson plans to make similar moves around Caleb Williams.
"We'll take the same track and mindset that we had with Jared, which is, we're going to build this thing around him," Johnson said Friday on the Rich Eisen Show (2:00 mark of the video below.)
Johnson went on to provide some insight as to how he saw the Bears' offense taking shape around Williams:
The offense, conceptually, schematically, we're going to really spend a lot of time together, and build it from him and mine. We're gonna build the rest of the unit, whether it's offensive line, perimeter unit, with him in mind. And we're gonna accentuate his strengths, and we're gonna make sure we are working to improve his weaknesses. So we'll have a great, detailed plan.
There's no question that one of his superpowers is his ability to create and extend plays, and that's not something that we want to take away from him. We're gonna encourage that within structure, as well. The perimeter players have to be in tune with, when a play breaks down and he breaks the pocket, how we're gonna respond to that so we can capitalize on big plays outside of the pocket.
Johnson said it would take sitting down and watching tape with Williams to determine the specifics of his offensive plans, but added that early conversations with the incoming second-year quarterback left him optimistic about their future relationship.
"That's why I'm so encouraged so far. He's been very receptive," Johnson told Eisen. "He wants to be coached hard. This will be a different experience for him than what he's ever had here in college, or so far in the NFL. But we'll see how far we can push the envelope with him."
Goff had some of the best seasons of his career through three years playing in Johnson's system in Detroit. He finished the 2024 campaign with career highs in passing touchdowns (37, good for fourth in the NFL) and QBR (68.4 quarterback rating, sixth highest in the league.)
Williams meanwhile took 68 sacks, the third-most in NFL history, while ranking 28th in the league with a 46.7 quarterback rating during his rookie 2024 season. The Bears will hope bringing Johnson into the fold can help the former No. 1 pick turn those numbers around during his second season the NFL.
Ben Johnson Hypes Caleb Williams, 'Loaded' Bears Roster After Leaving Lions
Jan 22, 2025
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 28: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions looks on before a game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on November 28, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears officially introduced Ben Johnson as their new head coach during a press conference on Wednesday, and the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator had a lot of positive things to say about his new job.
Johnson hyped 2024 No. 1 pick Caleb Williams as "a phenomenal talent" and added that there is "no doubt" that the first-year quarterback "played a large component into my decision."
Johnson told reporters that he had long been impressed with the Bears and was eyeing them as a major obstacle for the Lions entering the 2024 campaign.
"Going into this season I felt like this place was a sleeping giant," he said. "I was personally more concerned about the Bears than I was any other team in the division."
Johnson said his message to his new players in Chicago is to "get comfortable being uncomfortable," because he plans on pushing them to reach their full potential.
"We are gonna push, and we're gonna challenge, and along with those high standards, there's also gonna be a high level of support as well," he added.
Johnson established himself as the most coveted head coaching candidate on the market by transforming the Lions offense into an elite unit since taking over as OC in 2022. This season, Detroit ranked first in the NFL with 33.2 points per game and second with 409.5 total yards per game.
The 38-year-old will be taking over a Chicago unit that was at the opposite end of the spectrum, as it ranked last in the league with 284.6 total yards per game and 27th with 18.2 points per game. When asked about building the offense with his new team, Johnson told reporters, "It's not going to look like it did in Detroit" because of the "completely different" personnel in Chicago.
While it won't be easy to go up against the Lions twice a year, Johnson joked that the opportunity to remain in the NFC North was still appealing because he can continue beating up on the Green Bay Packers.
"To quite frank with you, I kinda enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year," he said.
At the top of the 2024 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears grabbed a potential franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams. On Monday, Chicago landed a new head coach…
NFL Fans Excited for Ben Johnson to Be Caleb Williams' HC Amid Rumored Bears Contract
Jan 20, 2025
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
After it was revealed that the Chicago Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach, fans were ecstatic about the prospect of Johnson teaming up with quarterback Caleb Williams next season.
The creativity alone offensively will have Caleb playing on an elite level because the supporting cast will be used to their strengths instead of getting cardio in for 4 quarters. ✅ https://t.co/BFuC1MaLIy
The Ben Johnson hire is a slam dunk for the Bears.
Get an offensive minded coach who is very innovative and creative to help a young talent in Caleb Williams develop as well as get the most out of the weapons that the Bears have.
What a hire by the Chicago Bears! Caleb Williams gets a young offensive minded coach that’s an incredible play caller! Bears fans have been begging for an offensive minded coach well here he is Chicago! Give a warm welcome to our new Head Coach Ben Johnson DA BEARS pic.twitter.com/MZn7DTK3r9
After the Bears' disastrous 5-12 season, which saw former head coach Matt Eberflus fired midway through the year, the excitement isn't limited to fans. Williams liked the NFL's Instagram post about the new hire, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Behind Johnson, the Lions have averaged 29.0 points per game since he became the offensive coordinator for Detroit in 2022. Leading the league with 33.2 points per game in 2024 was also the most in a season in franchise history, per CBS Sports' Garrett Podell.
In addition to the team's success, quarterback Jared Goff excelled throughout the season, leading the Lions' offense to rank near the top in several key NFL metrics, including total yards per game (409.5) and passing yards per game (263.2). Running back Jahmyr Gibbs also led the league in scrimmage touchdowns with 20.
The 38-year-old will now take over the talented Williams, alongside stellar players like wide receivers D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen, tight end Cole Kmet and former Lions running back D'Andre Swift.
The hire is huge for Chicago, who at one point had fans worried that Johnson was going to become the Las Vegas Raiders' next head coach after an interview with the team went "really well," according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
However, following the Bears' hire, it was revealed that the Raiders were never a front-runner for Johnson, as Chicago was the "early favorite in the process," per Schultz.
With Johnson now at the helm, the Chicago Bears are poised for a promising future after a 37-63 record over the past six seasons, with 2018 being the last time they posted a winning record.
Caleb Williams 'Likes' NFL's IG Photo Reporting Ben Johnson's Bears HC Contract
Jan 20, 2025
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 5: Quarterback Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, at Lambeau Field on January 5, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Caleb Williams appears to be a fan of the Chicago Bears reportedly hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Williams liked the NFL's Instagram post about the Bears' reported hiring, as noted by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Pelissero reported earlier Monday that the Bears are "finalizing a deal" to hire Johnson, and that "contract parameters are in place."
The Bears are seeking a replacement for former head coach Matt Eberflus, who was fired midseason, and Thomas Brown, who finished out the season as interim head coach.
Williams spent his rookie 2024 season on an offense ranked 32nd in the NFL with 284.6 total yards per game.
He may now be hoping Johnson, who led a unit ranked second in the league with 409.5 total yards per contest, can improve those numbers during his second NFL season.
Williams previously said on the St. Brown Podcast that he had been previously tricked into thinking the Bears had hired Johnson.
When asked on the podcast who he wanted as the team's next head coach, Williams told Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon St. Brown, "I think that's a cool thing with what y'all got over there in Detroit."
Williams continued: "Selfishly, I want an offensive-minded guy... so I can also learn and grow and things like that from him and what he's seen and what he's gone through with other QBs or been around."
Johnson meanwhile praised Williams ahead of the Week 16 matchup between the Lions and Bears.
"There is no question this guy is talented," Johnson told reporters on Dec. 20. "I remember standing on the sideline last game, and just, you can hear the ball whistle by you. He's got quite a fastball, and has some creativity to him, can extend plays, and is accurate down the field as well."
Johnson added: "He's been impressive from afar."
The reporting hiring in Chicago marks the first head coaching job of Johnson's NFL career. He previously spent seven seasons on the Miami Dolphins staff, including stints as assistant quarterbacks coach and assistant wide receivers coach, before joining the Lions' staff ahead of the 2019 season.
Ben Johnson, Bears Agree to HC Contract After Lions' Playoff Loss amid Raiders Rumors
Jan 20, 2025
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 15: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions looks on in the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears found the head coach they hope will lead them to plenty of success during the Caleb Williams era. And they're poaching from a divisional rival in the process.
Chicago has officially hired Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to serve as its next head coach:
"Throughout our search process, I was thoroughly impressed by Ben's character, intelligence, leadership and ability to connect," general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement. "A progressive offensive mind, Ben's plan for all three phases of our team, which is centered on creating a winning and competitive environment, became evidently clear. Meeting with Ben and gaining an understanding of his process and vision, the more confident we became that Ben is the right leader for our team and that he and I will be great partners in building our team and shaping our franchise for long-term success."
The move was initially reported by multiple sources on Monday:
Bear down: Chicago is finalizing a deal to hire Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as its next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Bears are getting their man. pic.twitter.com/UwlLk3wNJZ
A new day in Chicago: The #Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Ben Johnson as their head coach, per sources.
Johnson is set to fly there soon and contract parameters are in place. Barring a last-minute snag, the #Lions OC lands with an NFC North rival. pic.twitter.com/Y1i4lRtpw5
The news came one day after Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported the Las Vegas Raiders were preparing to make a "big push" for Johnson.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, former New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen is the "leading candidate" to be the Bears' defensive coordinator under Johnson:
Ben Johnson has been busy assembling a star-studded coaching staff. The leading candidate to become his defensive coordinator in Chicago is former Saints HC Dennis Allen, per league sources. pic.twitter.com/iJCbMLJSLe
Bears also are heavily pursuing former Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi as their special teams coach, per sources. He has interest from over a half-dozen teams but if Rizzi doesn’t land a head coaching job, Chicago is his potential landing spot. https://t.co/ErIQmZ3te9
This is the next step in a process that included a number of interviews and went against the way the franchise has operated throughout its history. The Bears fired Matt Eberflus in November, which marked the first time they ever fired a head coach while a season was still ongoing.
Yet Eberflus left them little choice.
Expectations were as high as they've been in years in the Windy City after Chicago drafted Williams with the No. 1 overall pick and surrounded him with an offense that featured DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet and D'Andre Swift.
It then felt like playoffs or bust when the team started 4-2, but the word bust is an understated way of describing what happened next.
The Bears were in position to improve to 5-2 with a late lead against the Washington Commanders in Week 8, but Eberflus' defense didn't guard the sidelines on the penultimate play. That allowed an easy completion to move into Hail Mary territory, and Jayden Daniels then connected on a stunning Hail Mary to end the game when Chicago didn't even pressure him.
The NFC North team then lost on the final play of the Week 11 game against the Green Bay Packers when Eberflus didn't run any more plays with a timeout and settled for a 46-yard field goal that was blocked. It also lost on the last play in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12 and again on Thanksgiving against the Detroit Lions.
Williams took a sack with 32 seconds left against the Lions, and Eberflus didn't call a timeout. The offense struggled to get into position and had time to run just one final desperation incompletion as a result.
Adam Jahns and Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Eberflus had to leave the locker room after an exchange with players, including star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who were upset with him. That loss to the Lions ended up being his final game, and Chicago gave the interim position to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown.
Brown had already been promoted following the in-season firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and had a de-facto audition in the final five games. The team went just 1-4 in those five games, although it finished on a high note with a road victory over the rival Packers.
Ultimately, this is one of the most important hirings in franchise history.
The optimism that was in place at the start of the 2024 season shouldn't go anywhere, as Williams is still a cornerstone building block and flashed his potential a number of times during his rookie season.
Players such as Moore, Odunze, Kmet, Swift, Johnson, Montez Sweat, T.J. Edwards and Kyler Gordon, among others, are still under contract heading into the 2025 campaign. If Williams continues to make strides, the talent is in place to make the playoffs as soon as Johnson's first season.
That partnership between Johnson and Williams will be under the spotlight, as this is a franchise that has been starving for a long-term star at quarterback.
The only way the Bears will make up ground against the Packers, Vikings and Lions in a loaded division is if their new hire gets the most out of the quarterback for years to come. Ideally, this will be a partnership that emulates those of other successful coaches and quarterbacks, such as Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid.
It will be up to Johnson to establish that relationship right away.
Fortunately for Chicago, he has an offensive background and is familiar with the division. He helped the Lions become one of the best teams in football as their offensive coordinator the past three seasons in the exact type of franchise turnaround the Bears want.
Chicago hasn't won a playoff game since the 2010 season. By comparison, Detroit hadn't won one since the 1991 season until Johnson's offense accomplished the feat on the way to the NFC Championship Game during the 2023 campaign, though the team stumbled in the NFC Divisional Round this weekend.
Johnson's offense with the Lions was largely unstoppable at its best with Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs leading the way.
There are talented playmakers like that in Chicago, and he will look to replicate that success in his first head coaching opportunity.
Report: Caleb Williams 'Fine' After Cyst Removal; Video Showed Bears QB in Hand Cast
Jan 18, 2025
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears reacts during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on November 10, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is reportedly "fine" after a video circulating on Saturday showed his right hand in a cast.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Williams had a cyst removed and the procedure was considered "minor."
#Bears QB Caleb Williams had a cyst removed, which is why he’s wearing the cast on his hand. It’s minor, he’s fine. https://t.co/DAyuhtwdtD
Williams, 23, is coming off an up-and-down rookie season in Chicago.
The top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed 81 times for 489 yards.
However, Williams was subjected to serious punishment during his first year in the NFL, taking a league-leading 68 sacks behind a shaky Bears offensive line. Sam Darnold (57), C.J. Stroud (55) and Geno Smith (50) were the only other quarterbacks who were sacked at least 50 times during the 2024 season.
The Bears finished the 2024 season at 5-12 and will look for Williams to make a leap in Year 2 once they install a new coaching staff following the midseason dismissal of Matt Eberflus.
Video: Caleb Williams Talks Getting Pranked by Lions Fans Posing as Ben Johnson
Jan 15, 2025
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 5: Quarterback Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, at Lambeau Field on January 5, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams confirmed Wednesday that someone posing as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson tried to trick him into believing that Johnson had accepted the Bears' head coaching job recently.
During an appearance on the St. Brown Podcast with Lions superstar wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Williams discussed how the catfishing situation played out:
"The text was so official. I've gotten that text from college coaches and other coaches before getting drafted and all that in different ways."
Bears QB Caleb Williams gives a play-by-play of getting tricked into thinking Ben Johnson was taking the Bears job. pic.twitter.com/rtVd8tvY96
Williams said he reached out to St. Brown to see if the person texting him matched up with Johnson's phone number, but St. Brown didn't immediately respond. Williams suggested that the professional nature of the text made him think for a moment that Johnson may have actually been texting him, saying: "The text was so official. I've gotten that text from college coaches and other coaches before getting drafted and all that in different ways."
While the Bears announced on Saturday that they completed a head coaching interview with Johnson, the Bears have yet to officially hire a replacement for Matt Eberflus, who was fired in November.
On Friday, Chi Town Sports on X posted a screenshot of the apparent text conversation Williams had with the imposter Ben Johnson:
In the conversation, the person tells Williams that they had accepted the Bears' head coaching job, to which Williams replied: "I'm def excited for the future! Let's get this s--t going and turn it around n do what hasn't been done in years! In the meantime!! F--king go kill! We'll talk soon!"
Accompanying the screenshot of the text conversation was a video of Williams FaceTiming the person who was texting him. Williams appeared to have a smile on his face when he realized he wasn't texting with Johnson.
St. Brown and Williams seemingly confirmed what happened, as St. Brown said that Williams texted him to tell him that he called the person who was texting him and found out it wasn't Johnson.
While Johnson has been partaking in head coaching interviews, he is primarily focused on the Lions' upcoming NFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday night.
The Lions secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 15-2 record during the regular season, and Johnson played a big role in their success, as they had the No. 1 scoring offense in the NFL.
Johnson has been a hot coaching candidate dating back to last offseason, although he decided to return for another season as the Lions' OC, which paid dividends for both him and the Lions.
Of the six teams still searching for a head coach, the Bears could perhaps provide Johnson with the most intriguing and attractive situation.
Williams' presence is a big reason why, as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft did some good things during his rookie season despite the Bears' 5-12 record.
He racked up over 4,000 total yards and threw 20 touchdown passes compared to only six interceptions in 17 starts, which seems like something Johnson can work and excel with.
While Johnson to Chicago is a distinct possibility, he has interest elsewhere, and it is also possible that he could once again spurn head coaching offers in favor returning for another season as the offensive coordinator in Detroit.
Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and Miami's Cam Ward are expected to be top-five picks in April's NFL draft, if not the first and second overall selections. But…
Packers' Love, Watson Injuries Concern Fans in Loss to Caleb, Bears Before Playoffs
Jan 5, 2025
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 05: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on January 05, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers fell 24-22 to the NFC North rival Chicago Bears in their regular-season finale at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Sunday, but they suffered even bigger losses in the form of both quarterback Jordan Love and wide receiver Christian Watson suffering injuries.
Sunday's loss locked the Packers in as the No. 7 seed in the NFC, meaning they will face the No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round:
The first playoff matchup we know: Packers @ Eagles
Love threw the ball on the sidelines late in the first half and remained in uniform coming out of halftime, but he did not return to the game, and Malik Willis replaced him the rest of the way. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told Fox Sports sideline reporter Laura Okmin that Love's elbow was "feeling better" at the start of the second half, however:
While Watson's injury appeared potentially serious, ProFootballTalk reported that Love got hit on the funny bone, which caused numbness and tingling.
ProFootballTalk noted that Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen recently experienced something similar, and he ultimately didn't miss any games.
Given that the Packers had already clinched a playoff spot entering Week 18, the only thing on the line was determining whether Green Bay would be the No. 6 or No. 7 seed in the NFC.
The fact that it was far from a must-win game may have influenced LaFleur's decision regarding Love since it was more important to prevent further injury and give him a chance to play next week in the NFC Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Many fans on social media expressed concern for the status of Love and Watson, especially with the postseason on the horizon:
I hope Love & Watson are both ok. Right before playoffs is crazy
Chicago jumped out to a 14-3 lead in the first half thanks to a 94-yard punt return touchdown by Josh Blackwell and a four-yard touchdown run by running back D'Andre Swift, but a nine-yard touchdown run by Josh Jacobs helped shrink the Green Bay deficit to one by halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams extended the Bears' lead to 21-13 with a 32-yard touchdown pass to wideout D.J. Moore with about 10 minutes remaining in the fourth:
Packers running back Emanuel Wilson got Green Bay within two points thanks to a 21-yard touchdown run with 4:28 remaining, but the tying two-point conversion attempt failed:
Emanuel Wilson bounces outside for a Green Bay TD!
Packers kicker Brandon McManus then drilled a 55-yard field goal to put Green Bay on top at the 54-second mark.
However, it was a precursor to a heartbreaking loss for Green Bay, as Williams drove the Bears down the field and Cairo Santos hit a game-winning, 51-yard field goal as time expired:
THE KICK IS GOOD! 🙌
The Bears get their first win against the Packers for the first time since 2018! pic.twitter.com/alIkIWRvwG
Williams and the Bears were impressive out of the gate this season, posting a 4-2 record, but they subsequently lost 10 games in a row, and head coach Matt Eberflus was fired in the midst of the slide.
While Williams had his fair share of ups and downs individually, he finished the season with a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio of 20-6, and he threw for 148 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in a season-ending win over Green Bay.
The Bears broke a 12-game losing streak to the Packers in the process, and Sunday marked the first time LaFleur had ever lost to the Bears since becoming Green Bay's head coach in 2019.
There won't be any time for LaFleur to dwell on the loss, though, as he must prepare for Green Bay's Wild Card Round playoff game against the Eagles.
The Eagles, who rested most of their starters this week after locking up the No. 2 seed, beat the Packers 34-29 in Brazil in Week 1.
As for the Bears, they will primarily focus on their head coaching search in the coming weeks, as they attempt to find the ideal coach to get the most out of their franchise quarterback in Williams.
