Ben Johnson press conference: Chicago Bears head coach to deliver first remarks
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Ben Johnson will hold his first news conference as the Chicago Bears head coach today.
The former Lions offensive coordinator will be officially introduced to Bears fans and the media at an 11 a.m. press conference at Halas Hall.
His full comments will be streamed live in the media player below.
Ben Johnson press conference live
Bears brass praise Johnson
What they're saying:
Bears leaders heaped compliments on Johnson after officially signing him on Tuesday.
"We are elated to welcome Ben and his family to the Bears and the greatest city in the world," Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey said in a written statement. "Ben’s leadership, poise, preparation and detail are evident. We certainly appreciate the first-class manner in which he approached this process. We are excited to see him lead our Bears."
Johnson was one of the hottest names in this season's coaching cycle.
Bears GM Ryan Poles went through a lengthy search, interviewing the biggest offensive coordinator names, the biggest defensive coordinator names and former Super Bowl-winning coaches.
In the end, he landed on Johnson.
"Throughout our search process, I was thoroughly impressed by Ben’s character, intelligence, leadership and ability to connect," 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."
Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren praised Johnson's passion as a leader.
"Ben is meticulous about the details, doing what is right for the betterment of the greater being, and motivated to push the limits of whatever is required to become a champion," Warren said in a statement.
Johnson's offensive prowess
By the numbers:
In three seasons with Ben Johnson calling plays, Detroit ranked in the top-five in scoring each of those years. The Lions finished fifth in 2022 and 2023 and first in 2024 at 33.2 PPG. The Lions last led the NFL in scoring in the 1954 season. The Lions’ 28.2 offensive PPG from 2022-24 were the most in the NFL.
It isn't just points, either. In the three seasons with Johnson calling plays, the Lions had 230 plays that went for 20 yards or more. Only San Francisco had more such plays.
The backstory:
Prior to Detroit, Johnson spent seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins, where he served in various coaching roles including tight ends coach, assistant quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach.
The Asheville, North Carolina native was a walk-on quarterback at the University of North Carolina.
The Source: This story was written from a combination of statements from the Chicago Bears and NFL statistics.