Behind the Bears’ hire of Ben Johnson: Tequila shots, a surprising defeat, and a hefty deal

The Chicago Bears’ decision to hire Ben Johnson as their new offensive coordinator came with all the drama and intrigue of a high-stakes poker game. But behind this move lies an incredible story that includes tequila shots, a surprising defeat, and a hefty deal. The Bears’ hiring of Johnson wasn’t just another routine coaching change — it was a calculated, strategic decision that carries serious ramifications for the team’s future. In this piece, we will explore the events that led up to the Bears’ hire of Ben Johnson and how everything from tequila shots to Johnson’s previous successes shaped this decision.

The Crucial Need for Change

For years, the Chicago Bears had been struggling to find stability on the offensive side of the ball. Since the departure of Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, the Bears have lacked a true, consistent offensive leader. The franchise found itself mired in mediocrity, with limited success on offense, unable to compete in a pass-heavy NFL. The lack of development at the quarterback position, inconsistent play calling, and a lack of a dynamic offensive scheme hindered the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.

After the Bears’ lackluster performances in recent seasons, it became clear that a change was needed. Fans, analysts, and insiders all pointed to the team’s offensive system as a primary culprit in their struggles. General Manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus knew they needed a fresh, innovative offensive mind to turn things around.

Ben Johnson’s name had been making waves around the league as one of the top up-and-coming offensive minds. Johnson had been the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions under head coach Dan Campbell, helping to transform a historically anemic offense into one of the most explosive in the NFL. The Bears saw potential in Johnson, and despite a highly competitive hiring process, they ultimately made him their man. But what led them to make this bold move?

Tequila Shots and a Rewind to 2021

Before Ben Johnson became a household name in NFL circles, he had a more humble career path. Johnson’s football journey was a winding one, filled with stops at multiple teams and colleges before landing in Detroit. He had stints as an offensive analyst and a wide receivers coach, gradually gaining respect around the league for his ability to get the most out of his players.

One moment that stood out in the early stages of Johnson’s career was his connection to Dan Campbell, the Lions’ head coach. Campbell, known for his tough, no-nonsense approach, had always had a keen eye for talent. When he took over the Lions, one of his first moves was to bring Johnson on as the quarterbacks coach. But things didn’t go as planned right away.

In 2021, the Lions were off to a rocky start under Campbell. The team was struggling to find its identity, and many doubted the team’s ability to compete in a loaded NFC North division. But that year, the Lions were building something special behind the scenes. One particular night, after a tough loss, Campbell and Johnson decided to meet for a post-game drink. They ended up in a small, private bar, where tequila shots were poured and frustrations aired. It was here that Johnson made a bold proclamation: “We need to change the way we think about offense. If we want to win, we have to build an identity that gives us a chance to compete, no matter the opponent.”

It was in that meeting where the foundation for what would become a dramatically improved Lions offense began to take shape. Johnson’s ideas were centered around being adaptable — using an innovative, multiple offensive system that could exploit the weaknesses of any defense. From that moment forward, Johnson and Campbell developed a close partnership, one based on mutual trust and a shared belief in reshaping the team’s offensive philosophy.

The 2021 season didn’t feature a playoff run for the Lions, but it marked the beginning of the team’s gradual transformation. The duo of Campbell and Johnson quickly gained respect from players, coaches, and analysts alike. The Lions’ offense began to gain a reputation for being creative, fast-paced, and difficult to predict. It was this offensive philosophy that helped Johnson catch the attention of NFL executives, including those in Chicago.

A Surprising Defeat and Rising Star Status

By 2022, Johnson’s work with the Lions had firmly established him as one of the league’s most promising young offensive minds. The Lions’ offense was making major strides, and they finished the season as one of the most prolific offenses in the league, averaging over 26 points per game. The team’s offensive success was a sharp contrast to the team’s historically poor performances in previous seasons.

However, there was one significant defeat that added to Johnson’s growing legend. In Week 17 of the 2022 NFL season, the Lions faced off against the Chicago Bears, a team that was also struggling to find offensive consistency. The game was an important one for both teams, as they both hoped to build momentum for the future. Despite the Bears’ best efforts and a valiant performance from quarterback Justin Fields, the Lions defeated the Bears in a thrilling 34-30 contest.

The loss was painful for the Bears, who had high hopes for Fields and were looking to make strides toward the future. But for Johnson and the Lions, the victory was emblematic of the team’s offensive transformation. It was a hard-fought win, and it was clear that Johnson’s offense was one of the most dangerous in the league.

The Bears, recognizing the potential of Johnson’s offense, quickly turned their attention to the Lions’ offensive coordinator as a candidate to help lead their own transformation. Johnson’s innovative mindset, paired with his ability to develop young quarterbacks, made him the perfect fit for the Bears’ rebuilding effort.

A Hefty Deal

Despite growing interest from several NFL teams, the Bears made their move and extended an offer to Ben Johnson. The deal that Johnson was offered was nothing short of lucrative. According to sources within the league, Johnson’s contract was among the highest for any offensive coordinator in the NFL. This hefty deal was a clear statement from the Bears that they were serious about building a championship-caliber offense and were willing to invest heavily in the right person to lead that effort.

Johnson’s deal, reportedly worth $4 million per year, marked a shift in the Bears’ approach to coaching hires. In the past, the Bears had been relatively conservative in their compensation packages for assistant coaches. However, with an offense that had long struggled, they knew that the right offensive coordinator could help change the trajectory of the team. Johnson’s deal was reflective of the team’s desire to move forward and make a big splash in the coaching market.

The contract also provided Johnson with the freedom to implement his vision for the offense without interference from upper management. The Bears’ front office gave him the resources and support needed to build a system that would work for quarterback Justin Fields and the rest of the offense. The flexibility that Johnson was afforded made it clear that he was going to be the centerpiece of the Bears’ offensive revival.

The Road Ahead: Expectations and Challenges

As Ben Johnson steps into the role of offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, he will face a myriad of challenges. While the Bears’ offense showed flashes of brilliance under Fields in 2022, the team still lacks consistency and has areas that need to be addressed. For Johnson, the key to success will be his ability to mold Fields into a true franchise quarterback and build an offense that can consistently compete in the NFC.

Johnson has already shown that he is capable of getting the most out of his quarterbacks, having helped turn Jared Goff’s career around in Detroit. Now, he must do the same with Fields, who possesses elite athleticism and a cannon for an arm but has yet to develop into a polished passer. Johnson’s creativity and ability to put Fields in the best possible position to succeed will be pivotal in the Bears’ offensive success.

In addition to his work with Fields, Johnson will also need to craft an offensive scheme that takes advantage of the talent around him. The Bears’ receiving corps is young, and the team will likely look to add more playmakers through free agency and the draft. Johnson’s ability to develop a strong offensive line and run game will also be crucial to balancing the attack.

Conclusion

The Chicago Bears’ decision to hire Ben Johnson as their offensive coordinator represents a bold move designed to reshape the franchise’s fortunes. What began with tequila shots and a surprising defeat culminated in a hefty deal that will allow Johnson to put his stamp on a team desperate for offensive improvement. The road ahead will be challenging, but Johnson’s offensive philosophy and track record with young quarterbacks give the Bears a promising outlook for the future.

As the Bears embark on this new chapter, they hope that Johnson will lead them to a more dynamic and potent offense, one that can make them a consistent contender in the NFC. The hiring of Ben Johnson may very well be the turning point the Bears need to break free from years of offensive mediocrity and return to the playoff picture. With Johnson at the helm, the Bears could be poised to become one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league once again.