Da Windy City
Fansided

New Bears Coach's Past Failure Will Be Big Edge for Ben Johnson

By Chris Schad

Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images / David Banks-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The Chicago Bears are entering a new era under Ben Johnson and there are plenty of reasons to be excited. The mastermind behind the Detroit Lions offense that led the league in scoring last season, Johnson brings a jump start to the Bears with an exciting young core headlined by Caleb Williams.

But while Johnson brings plenty of hype, there are also concerns. Johnson is a first-time head coach and many times there can be some growing pains associated with running an entire team. Fortunately, Johnson has an ace up his sleeve and can lean on some guidance when he takes over on the sidelines this upcoming season.

Dennis Allen Provides “Sounding Board” for Ben Johnson’s First Coaching Opportunity With the Bears

One of the first hires Johnson made was to hire Dennis Allen as his defensive coordinator. Outside of being a strong defensive mind who worked with Sean Payton, Allen’s experience as a head coach will also be valuable.

With that in mind, Allen told Scott Bair of Marquee Sports that he’ll be a “sounding board” for Johnson in his first head coaching opportunity but also believes that Johnson is ready for the opportunity.

Allen’s hire was a big get for Ben Johnson’s staff in Chicago. A defensive coordinator under Sean Payton, Allen helped lead the Saints to top-ten finishes in total defense and points allowed in 2020 and 2021 and did it again in his first year as a head coach, taking over for Payton in 2022.

But while Allen has established himself as a defensive coordinator, his head coaching record left a lot to be desired. Allen took over as head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2012 and went 4-12 in consecutive seasons before getting fired after an 0-4 start in 2014. Allen’s stint as a head coach in New Orleans also didn’t go well, posting an 18-25 record in three seasons before getting fired after a 2-7 start last November.

The 52-year-old has probably learned a lot during his career but he could be especially useful to Johnson. Perhaps Allen can give some advice on some of the mistakes he made as a head coach or even just suggest things that can make his day-to-day operations easier. 

Whatever it may be, it’s a standard practice among coaches to bring in a veteran and it could help Johnson turn around the Bears quickly.

More Chicago Bears News & Rumors:

feed

Home/Chicago Bears