The first figure that has been floated for Ben Johnson is $13 million annually.

In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, one of the most important and high-stakes decisions a franchise can make is selecting a head coach. For the Chicago Bears, a team that has spent years searching for stability and success, their decision to hire Ben Johnson as head coach has been one of the boldest and most pivotal moves in the team’s recent history. But what has truly caught the attention of the NFL world is the salary figure attached to this coaching hire: $13 million annually.

If the reports are accurate, this salary would make Johnson one of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL, placing him alongside the likes of Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots, Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams. For a coach who has never been a head coach before, this figure is striking and raises numerous questions. What does this salary figure mean for the Bears? How does it compare to the contracts of other high-profile NFL coaches? And what does it suggest about the team’s future direction under Johnson’s leadership?

In this article, we’ll explore the significance of Ben Johnson’s reported $13 million annual salary in the context of his hiring as the Chicago Bears’ head coach. We will break down how this figure could impact the Bears’ approach to building a competitive team, compare it to other coaching contracts in the NFL, and examine the broader implications for the NFL coaching market.

Ben Johnson’s Unconventional Rise to Prominence

Before diving into the financial aspect of Ben Johnson’s reported salary, it’s important to understand how Johnson went from an unknown offensive coordinator to one of the hottest head coaching candidates in the NFL. His meteoric rise through the ranks has been one of the more surprising stories in recent NFL history.

Johnson’s journey began not as a highly touted prospect, but as a coaching assistant at the collegiate level. He worked his way up the ladder through various roles in programs like Georgia Southern, Boston College, and the Miami Dolphins. But it wasn’t until his time with the Detroit Lions that Johnson truly made his name. As the Lions’ offensive coordinator, Johnson transformed a previously struggling offense into one of the most dynamic units in the NFL. His work with Jared Goff, who experienced a career resurgence under Johnson’s guidance, helped solidify Johnson’s reputation as a brilliant offensive mind.

The Lions finished the 2024 season with one of the most productive offenses in the NFL, marked by innovative schemes, excellent quarterback development, and a balanced attack that exploited mismatches. His success in Detroit caught the eye of many NFL teams, and it quickly became clear that Johnson would be a top contender for a head coaching position.

With the Chicago Bears in desperate need of leadership, particularly to help develop young quarterback Justin Fields, the Bears made a calculated decision to hire Johnson. His innovative approach to offense and his ability to develop quarterbacks made him a natural fit for a team that has struggled to find success in both areas.

The Significance of Ben Johnson’s $13 Million Annual Salary

At $13 million annually, Ben Johnson’s salary would put him among the highest-paid coaches in the NFL. To put this figure into perspective, let’s look at some of the other top-paid coaches in the league.

• Bill Belichick (New England Patriots): $20 million (approx.)
• Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs): $12-$13 million
• Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams): $14 million (approx.)
• Pete Carroll (Seattle Seahawks): $11 million
• Jon Gruden (Las Vegas Raiders, before his departure in 2021): $10 million (approx.)

While $13 million annually might not top the list, it’s certainly a significant figure for a coach who has yet to prove himself as a head coach in the NFL. The salary is also a reflection of the Bears’ commitment to hiring the best possible candidate to turn the team around.

The decision to offer Johnson such a substantial contract is a clear signal that the Bears are not simply looking for a coach who can oversee the team’s day-to-day operations. Instead, they want a coach who can immediately elevate the franchise and help them compete for championships in the NFC North. By making this financial commitment, the Bears are placing a high premium on offensive innovation, quarterback development, and long-term success.

A Changing Landscape for NFL Coaching Salaries

Johnson’s reported $13 million salary also comes at a time when the landscape of NFL coaching contracts is changing. Historically, NFL head coaching salaries were not as astronomically high as those of their counterparts in other major sports leagues, such as the NBA or MLB. However, the increasing revenue of the NFL, coupled with the growing importance of coaching in the modern era of football, has led to higher salaries for head coaches.

The increasing financial resources available to NFL teams have made coaching a much more lucrative profession. Teams are now willing to offer massive contracts to head coaches who can turn their franchise around, as the potential return on investment in terms of increased team performance, fan attendance, and revenue is enormous.

For the Chicago Bears, whose struggles in recent years have led to a diminished fanbase and lackluster performances, the hiring of a high-profile coach like Ben Johnson represents a crucial part of their strategy to rejuvenate the franchise. By offering him a salary that places him among the highest-paid coaches in the NFL, the Bears are not only securing a talented coach but also signaling to their fanbase and the NFL at large that they are committed to winning and willing to make the necessary financial investments to achieve success.

What This Means for the Bears’ Future

The decision to offer Ben Johnson $13 million annually comes with high expectations. The Bears are a franchise with a rich history, but they have struggled to maintain consistent success in the post-Super Bowl XLI era. The franchise’s last Super Bowl appearance came in 2006, and they have not won an NFC Championship since 2010. For a team with a fanbase that expects success, the Bears’ front office knows that this hire must lead to results—quickly.

Ben Johnson’s success as an offensive coordinator, particularly his ability to develop quarterbacks and design innovative offenses, makes him the ideal candidate to help unlock the full potential of Justin Fields, a young quarterback with all the tools to become a star. Fields’ skill set as an athletic playmaker has been well-documented, but he has not yet consistently shown that he can lead a winning offense in the NFL. Johnson’s history of working with quarterbacks, particularly Jared Goff, who went through his own career resurgence in Detroit, suggests that he is well-equipped to help Fields take the next step.

With the Bears also needing to revamp their offensive line, weapons on the outside, and overall team chemistry, Johnson’s ability to build a high-functioning offense will be paramount. The pressure on him to deliver results will be immense, and his $13 million salary reflects the weight of those expectations.

Moreover, Johnson’s hiring could have a ripple effect throughout the NFL. If he is successful in turning around the Bears’ offense and leading the team back to contention, it would further validate the current trend in the NFL of prioritizing offensive-minded head coaches. Teams in need of a boost on that side of the ball could look to Johnson’s success as a blueprint for future hires.

The Impact on the NFL Coaching Market

Ben Johnson’s reported salary also signals a shift in the NFL coaching market. Over the past several years, the trend has been moving toward hiring young, innovative, offensive-minded coaches who can develop quarterbacks and create high-scoring offenses. This has been exemplified by the success of Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams, Kyle Shanahan with the San Francisco 49ers, and Matt LaFleur with the Green Bay Packers. These coaches have transformed their respective teams into perennial Super Bowl contenders with dynamic offenses and elite quarterback play.

As the demand for offensive-minded coaches grows, salaries for these candidates are expected to rise. Ben Johnson’s $13 million annual salary is an indication of how highly teams now value the ability to create and implement cutting-edge offensive strategies. If Johnson’s tenure with the Bears is successful, it could lead to an even further inflation of coaching salaries as teams look to replicate the success of teams like the Rams, 49ers, and Chiefs, who have had sustained success under offensive-minded head coaches.

Additionally, this trend could lead to a reassessment of coaching compensation across the league. Teams that have traditionally hired defensive-minded coaches, such as the Chicago Bears, may find themselves under pressure to adjust their approach if the market continues to favor offensive innovation.

A Big Gamble or a Wise Investment?

The reported $13 million annual salary for Ben Johnson is certainly eye-catching, particularly for a coach who has never been a head coach before. However, this bold financial commitment is a reflection of the Chicago Bears’ confidence in Johnson’s ability to turn the franchise around and lead them back to prominence.

In an era where offensive success is paramount in the NFL, the Bears are betting that Johnson’s creativity and experience as an offensive coordinator will translate into long-term success. His ability to develop quarterbacks, build innovative offenses, and improve the overall performance of his team makes him an intriguing hire. If Johnson delivers on his promise, his $13 million salary will be seen as a bargain, and the Bears will be back in contention for championships in the near future.

Ultimately, the Bears are hoping that Johnson’s leadership, paired with the right supporting cast, will lead to a new era of success for the franchise. Whether or not this gamble pays off will define the Bears’ future for years to come.