An inside look at the Bears’ new era beginning with Ryan Poles’ hiring of Ben Johnson

The Chicago Bears, a storied NFL franchise, have undergone significant changes in recent years, from front-office shakeups to roster transformations. One of the pivotal moves that marked the beginning of a new era for the team was the hiring of Ben Johnson as the offensive coordinator under general manager Ryan Poles. This hire has been met with both excitement and anticipation, as it signals a new direction for the Bears’ offense, which has struggled in recent seasons. To understand the magnitude of this hiring, it’s essential to delve into the background of Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson, the potential impact of this coaching change, and how it fits into the broader vision for the Bears’ future.

The Arrival of Ryan Poles

Ryan Poles’ appointment as the general manager of the Bears in 2022 was a crucial turning point for the organization. Coming from a successful tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he helped build a championship-caliber team, Poles brought a fresh perspective to the Bears’ front office. His experience in constructing a potent offense around quarterback Patrick Mahomes, as well as his focus on building through the draft, made him a promising candidate for a team desperate to return to relevancy in the NFL.

Poles inherited a roster that was in need of a rebuild. The Bears were coming off a disappointing 2021 season that saw them finish with a 6-11 record, and the offense was in disarray. Poles’ first challenge was to evaluate the existing talent and make decisions that would lay the groundwork for future success. His initial moves included trading veteran players such as Khalil Mack and restructuring the team’s financial situation to create cap flexibility.

One of Poles’ most important decisions was to hire a new head coach, and after a thorough search, he hired Matt Eberflus. Eberflus, known for his defensive prowess, was brought in to provide the structure and leadership necessary to turn the Bears’ defense into a dominant force once again. However, Poles knew that in order to truly revitalize the Bears, the offense needed a complete overhaul, starting with the offensive coordinator position.

The Hiring of Ben Johnson: A New Vision for the Offense

With Matt Eberflus overseeing the defense, Ryan Poles turned his attention to the offense. The Bears’ offense had been one of the worst in the league for several years, and with young quarterback Justin Fields entering his third season, the need for a dynamic offensive mind to help unlock his potential was paramount.

This is where Ben Johnson comes into play. Johnson, a rising star in the coaching world, had been with the Detroit Lions since 2019, first as a tight ends coach and later as the team’s offensive coordinator. During his time in Detroit, Johnson worked under head coach Dan Campbell and helped transform the Lions’ offense into one of the most explosive units in the league. The Lions’ offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, had one of the best offensive lines and showed significant improvement in areas like scoring, passing efficiency, and run blocking.

Johnson’s innovative approach, which included a mix of creative play-calling, fast-paced tempo, and utilizing his players’ strengths, quickly caught the attention of teams around the league. His ability to develop young quarterbacks, design balanced offenses, and execute a game plan that kept opposing defenses on their toes made him an ideal candidate for the Bears.

Ryan Poles, recognizing the importance of developing Fields into a top-tier quarterback, saw Johnson as the perfect fit for the job. Johnson’s track record with Goff, a quarterback with a similar skill set to Fields, demonstrated his ability to maximize the talents of young quarterbacks. Poles’ decision to bring Johnson to Chicago represented a clear commitment to turning the Bears’ offense into a high-powered unit.

Ben Johnson’s Impact on Justin Fields

One of the primary reasons for the excitement surrounding Johnson’s hiring is his potential to unlock the full potential of Justin Fields. Fields, a dual-threat quarterback with incredible athleticism, has shown flashes of brilliance since entering the NFL but has struggled with consistency, particularly in the passing game. His development is crucial for the Bears’ future success, and the right offensive system can make all the difference in his growth as a quarterback.

Johnson’s offensive philosophy is built around maximizing the strengths of his players, and that includes tailoring the offense to suit Fields’ skill set. Fields is a dynamic runner, capable of making plays with his legs as well as his arm. Johnson’s offense, much like the one he implemented in Detroit, places a strong emphasis on using the quarterback’s mobility to create opportunities both in the air and on the ground.

Under Johnson’s guidance, Fields will have the opportunity to operate in a more structured and cohesive offense, with an emphasis on quick decision-making, timing routes, and getting the ball out of his hands quickly. Johnson’s experience with Goff, who is less mobile but has similar struggles with deep ball accuracy, provides valuable insight into how to help Fields grow as a passer.

In addition to improving Fields’ mechanics and decision-making, Johnson’s scheme should also create more opportunities for the young quarterback to succeed in the vertical passing game. The Bears’ offense has been too reliant on short passes and quick throws, which has limited Fields’ ability to stretch the field. Johnson’s playbook is expected to incorporate more downfield passing, play-action passes, and bootlegs that allow Fields to use his legs to create opportunities for big plays.

The combination of an improved offensive line, talented skill players, and a creative offensive scheme should provide Fields with the tools he needs to take his game to the next level. For the Bears to become contenders, they need Fields to develop into a franchise quarterback, and Johnson’s hiring is seen as a critical step toward that goal.

Building Around the Quarterback: The Importance of the Draft and Free Agency

While the coaching staff is essential in helping Fields develop, Ryan Poles knows that the Bears’ success will also depend on the roster he builds around his quarterback. Poles has already made significant moves to improve the talent on the team, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

One of Poles’ most notable decisions was using the Bears’ ample cap space and draft capital to bring in new weapons for Fields. In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Bears selected wide receiver D.J. Moore in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, adding a proven playmaker to their receiving corps. Moore’s ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch is exactly what the Bears need to complement Fields’ skill set.

Additionally, Poles addressed the offensive line by bringing in veteran talent, ensuring that Fields will have better protection moving forward. The line’s performance is crucial, as it will give Fields the time he needs to go through his progressions and take advantage of Johnson’s scheme. With better blocking and more dynamic receiving options, Fields should have a much easier time executing the offense.

In free agency, Poles also made significant moves to shore up the defense, giving Eberflus the tools he needs to continue building a top-tier defensive unit. This balance between offensive and defensive upgrades will help the Bears become more competitive in a tough NFC North division.

The Broader Vision: Building for the Future

Ben Johnson’s hiring is not just about one season or one player—it’s about setting the foundation for sustained success. Ryan Poles understands that building a championship team requires a long-term vision, and Johnson’s hiring is a reflection of that. Poles has taken a strategic approach to both the draft and free agency, focusing on building a young, dynamic team that can compete for years to come.

For the Bears, the key to this new era lies in developing Justin Fields into a top-tier quarterback and surrounding him with the right pieces. Johnson’s innovative offensive system, combined with Poles’ commitment to building through the draft and free agency, should provide the Bears with the tools they need to succeed both in the short term and the long term.

The team is still in the early stages of its rebuild, but the signs are promising. The Bears have a strong defensive foundation, an emerging star at quarterback, and a visionary offensive coordinator who is poised to make a significant impact. As the franchise moves forward, the partnership between Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Bears and returning the team to its former glory.

The hiring of Ben Johnson as the Bears’ offensive coordinator is a significant step in the franchise’s efforts to turn the page on years of mediocrity and build a championship-contending team. Ryan Poles’ vision for the future, paired with Johnson’s creative offensive mind, has the potential to elevate the Bears into a competitive force in the NFL.

For Bears fans, the excitement surrounding the new era is palpable. The development of Justin Fields, the infusion of talent through the draft and free agency, and the leadership of Poles and Johnson are all key ingredients in the team’s quest for success. While there is still much work to be done, the Bears’ future looks brighter than it has in years, and the hiring of Ben Johnson is the first chapter in what promises to be an exciting new era for the franchise.