How the Chicago Bears hiring Ben Johnson differs greatly from past head coaching hires

The Chicago Bears got their guy.

This has felt like the case for arguably three of the team's last four hires, but there's an undeniably different air about the Bears welcoming Ben Johnson as the franchise's next head coach.

That's because Johnson's hiring is different, from the start of everything to the triumphant finish line as Johnson walked through the doors of Halas Hall to an abundance of cheers.

"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."

The beginning was a little interesting, turning the clock back to Dec. 2. Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren and Bears general manager Ryan Poles sat at Halas Hall discussing the decision to fire Matt Eberflus.

Everything came to an end Tuesday when the Bears officially hired Johnson.

What made Johnson's hire different from past head coaching hires starts with the team's process. The Bears interviewed 17 candidates for their head coaching position, which is a stark contrast to Poles' first coach hiring in 2022.

Then, it was reported, Poles was hired and through an already ongoing search, was given three coaching finalists to choose from: Eberflus, Dan Quinn and Jim Caldwell. Poles, as history remembers, hired Eberflus.

This time around, it was different. Poles went through a lengthy search. He promised plenty of stones would get overturned in the coaching search. This was true. He interviewed the biggest offensive coordinator names, the biggest defensive coordinator names and former Super Bowl-winning coaches.

After all that, he zeroed in 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."

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions talks with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/

Johnson was also the hottest name on the market.

He was the most sought-after name in a cycle that included Pete Carroll, Joe Brady, Todd Monken, Mike Vrabel and plenty of others, Johnson could still afford to be picky about who he interviewed with.

The Bears still had to compete with the Jaguars, Raiders and Patriots, although the Patriots hired Vrabel. The competition isn't what was different, though.

Historically, the Bears have missed when it comes to hiring the hottest name on the market. In 2022, the franchise's search led them to Eberflus, when bigger names like Brian Daboll, Mike McDaniel and Kevin O'Connell also landed head coaching jobs.

Turn the clock back to 2013, when the Bears moved on from Lovie Smith only to hire Marc Trestman. The biggest name in that cycle was former Colts' offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. The Bears got Arians into the building, but opted to hire Trestman instead.

This time, they landed the biggest fish in the ocean. Whatever Poles, McCaskey and Warren said worked.

"The Chicago Bears are a world-class franchise with a phenomenal history and incredible fanbase," Johnson said in a statement. "Having been on the opposing sideline, I can attest to how passionate Bears fans are about this city and their team, and I am honored to be their Head Coach."

This wasn't the first time the Bears opted to choose an offensive head coach. Trestman was an offensive mind, as was former Bears coach and former NFL Coach of the Year Matt Nagy.

Nagy was hired to tutor Mitch Trubisky, but it was clear neither Trubisky nor Nagy were the long-term answers in Chicago.

Now, Johnson has Caleb Williams to tutor. Williams put together a rookie season that set basically all the Bears' rookie passing records in a year when he had two head coaches, two different play callers and three offensive coordinators.

That combination might finally bring a consistent offense to Chicago. It's all because the Bears took a different path than they're used to.

"I am excited to partner with Ryan and the entire organization as we work to create a championship-caliber program," Johnson said. "We are ready to get to work."

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