For years, the Chicago Bears seemed to shoot themselves in the foot with their coaching hires. But with a generational talent like Caleb Williams in the building, you just have to do whatever it takes to maximize him.
That's why, contrary to what they had usually done, they went after the hottest name in the coaching hiring cycle. Ben Johnson was an up-and-coming offensive mind who had already turned down opportunities to return to the Detroit Lions, and it was evident that he was the guy they needed.
Fast forward to today, and Coach Johsnon is already making waves around the league. Despite only being there for a year, it looks like he's already earned his colleagues' respect, as FanSided's Jason La Canfora reported.
Opposing teams think Ben Johnson can be special
Apparently, Johnson's no-nonsense approach, ability to make adjustments, and offensive prowess have made people around the league believe that their NFC North dominance last season wasn't a fluke:
“He’s already one of the five or six best coaches in the league,” one longtime NFL personnel executive (who was part of coaching staffing for decades) told La Canfora. “He’s that good.” “Johnson is the difference-maker there," another general manager said. "The family hasn’t changed (ownership). It's the coach.”
Johnson's impact was felt all through the NFC North. While the Bears overcame a slow start to the season and orchestrated one of the most explosive running games in the league, the Detroit Lions' offense regressed from day one to the point that Dan Campbell took offensive play-calling duties midway through the season.
Some may not like his rather cold demeanor, but he couldn't care less. Johnson is unapologetically obsessed with football, and he's not there to make friends. If you're in his way, he'll do whatever it takes to not only beat you, but crush you.
Johnson took a tough-love approach with some of his players, like rookie wide receiver Luther Burden II, but that pushed him to be at his best for the second half of the season. His demeanor might ruffle some feathers and rub people the wrong way, but he won't change his ways.
He had already proven that he was one of the sharpest offensive play-callers in the business. Granted, he's had more than enough weapons to use in Detroit and Chicago, but he's creative and knows how to scheme his guys open and get them in a position to succeed.
Time and time again, the Bears' defense put the offense against the wall, yet Johnson and Caleb Williams dug the team out of a hole. They will now face a tougher schedule and won't sneak up on anybody anymore, but unlike most young teams coming off a feel-good season, the Bears might not be a one-year wonder.
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