Greg Olsen on Ben Johnson’s employment by the Chicago Bears and its benefits Williams, Caleb

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, the ability to build a winning team doesn’t just come from drafting the right players or signing high-profile free agents; it also comes from assembling the right coaching staff. The Chicago Bears, in particular, have faced the monumental task of not only finding a franchise quarterback in Justin Fields but also building a supporting cast capable of unlocking his full potential. One key piece of the puzzle came when the Bears hired Ben Johnson as their offensive coordinator. Johnson’s arrival in Chicago brought a wave of excitement, and many pundits, including former NFL tight end Greg Olsen, have weighed in on what this move could mean for the Bears — especially for rising star Caleb Williams, who could be the future of the franchise.

This article will explore Greg Olsen’s thoughts on Ben Johnson’s hiring by the Bears, the potential benefits for Caleb Williams, and how the Bears could use this opportunity to build a future contender.

The Importance of Ben Johnson’s Hiring by the Chicago Bears

Before diving into the specific benefits that this move has for Caleb Williams, it’s crucial to understand the significance of Ben Johnson’s arrival in Chicago. The Bears have spent the last several years trying to develop Justin Fields into the franchise quarterback they’ve long desired. Fields’ dual-threat abilities have made him one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL, but his development has been hindered by inconsistent play-calling, a lack of weapons, and a coaching staff that has struggled to unlock his full potential.

Ben Johnson, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has earned significant praise for his innovative offensive mind and ability to design an offense that maximizes the strengths of his players. Johnson was instrumental in the rise of Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who experienced a career resurgence under Johnson’s tutelage. His system places a heavy emphasis on creating explosive plays, leveraging play-action, and maximizing the quarterback’s mobility—all qualities that perfectly align with Justin Fields’ strengths.

What stands out most about Johnson is his ability to tailor the offense to the unique skill sets of his quarterbacks. During his time with the Lions, he showcased a knack for adjusting the offense to suit the talents of Goff, who thrives on quick passes, play-action, and pocket awareness. With Fields, Johnson has the opportunity to work with a much more dynamic athlete, creating an offense that can be both unpredictable and dangerous.

For the Bears, the hiring of Ben Johnson signals a clear commitment to developing Justin Fields into a true franchise quarterback. Johnson’s previous success with Goff is one of the main reasons the Bears were drawn to him, and his ability to elevate quarterbacks with different styles makes him an ideal fit for Chicago’s rebuild.

Greg Olsen’s Thoughts on the Move

Former NFL tight end and current broadcaster Greg Olsen has been vocal in his praise of Ben Johnson and his ability to develop quarterbacks and offensive systems. In a recent interview, Olsen shared his thoughts on Johnson’s hiring and its potential impact on the Bears, particularly in terms of the franchise’s long-term quarterback outlook.

“Ben Johnson is one of the brightest offensive minds in the league,” Olsen said. “I watched what he did with Jared Goff in Detroit, and the way he helped Goff rediscover his confidence was nothing short of impressive. The Bears have a very unique situation in Justin Fields, and Johnson is the kind of coach who can help Fields reach his full potential. But what’s even more intriguing is how this could lay the foundation for a future quarterback — someone like Caleb Williams.”

Olsen went on to discuss how Johnson’s coaching philosophy could help attract top-tier talent, particularly players like Caleb Williams, who could be the Bears’ next franchise quarterback. Olsen believes that the hiring of Johnson provides the Bears with an opportunity to establish a system that not only supports Justin Fields but also creates a winning culture that would appeal to future quarterbacks.

“Johnson is a coach who is going to maximize what a quarterback can do, no matter who that quarterback is,” Olsen continued. “That’s why I think this is such a smart move for the Bears, especially if they’re looking ahead to the future and keeping an eye on the next wave of quarterbacks. A player like Caleb Williams, with his arm talent and mobility, would fit perfectly into this system. Ben Johnson is the type of coach who can help someone like Williams flourish and become the superstar they’re capable of being.”

The Impact on Caleb Williams’ Potential Fit with the Bears

Caleb Williams, who is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in recent years, has quickly become a household name in college football. As the quarterback for USC, Williams has shown everything you could want in a future NFL quarterback: a cannon for an arm, exceptional mobility, and the ability to make throws from all angles. In terms of raw talent, Williams is as close to a “generational” quarterback as we’ve seen in recent years, and the Bears will be keeping a close eye on his development as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.

The Bears currently hold a top pick in the 2025 draft, and with the right coaching, they could be in position to select Williams to become their next franchise quarterback. What makes the potential pairing of Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson so exciting is that Johnson’s offensive system is tailor-made for a quarterback with Williams’ skill set. Johnson’s use of play-action, his ability to get the ball out quickly, and his design of creative passing concepts would allow Williams to maximize his talents and thrive in the NFL.

For a quarterback like Williams, whose ability to extend plays and throw on the move is one of his strongest traits, Ben Johnson’s system would create opportunities for Williams to use his legs while also providing him with high-percentage passing options. Johnson’s offense places a premium on quick decision-making and getting the ball into the hands of playmakers, something that would allow Williams to avoid unnecessary pressure and get into a rhythm early in his career.

In addition to the scheme fit, Williams would benefit from working with Johnson in terms of his development as a quarterback. Greg Olsen touched on this when discussing Johnson’s ability to elevate quarterbacks, stating that Williams would not only benefit from Johnson’s offensive system but also from his ability to coach players up and help them reach their potential. Olsen believes that Johnson’s experience working with quarterbacks who are still developing — like Jared Goff in Detroit — shows that he is capable of getting the best out of young quarterbacks.

“I’ve seen first-hand how a coach can make or break a quarterback’s career, and with Ben Johnson, I truly believe Caleb Williams would have the opportunity to thrive,” Olsen said. “It’s not just about the scheme; it’s about developing the player. Johnson is one of the few coaches who can work with a quarterback’s strengths while also helping them improve in areas where they need to grow.”

What Johnson Brings to the Bears Beyond Williams

While Caleb Williams is certainly an intriguing potential target for the Bears, it’s important to recognize that the hiring of Ben Johnson brings much more to the table than just helping the team land a top quarterback prospect. Johnson’s offensive philosophy and coaching style will benefit the entire Bears offense, including Justin Fields.

With Fields entering his third season in 2025, the time is now for the Bears to build an offense that plays to his strengths. Johnson’s system will allow Fields to take advantage of his mobility, but it will also provide him with a more structured passing game that doesn’t rely as heavily on improvisation. This could lead to improved consistency and fewer turnovers as Fields matures into a more complete quarterback.

Moreover, the Bears are also likely to make additional moves in free agency or the draft to provide Fields with more weapons. Adding dynamic playmakers on the outside, such as DJ Moore, Chase Claypool, or another receiver, would only further elevate the offense under Johnson’s leadership. By developing Fields this year, the Bears would set themselves up for future success, regardless of whether Caleb Williams joins the fold.

Conclusion

Ben Johnson’s hiring as offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears is a major step toward building a successful offense that can thrive in the modern NFL. The system he brings will benefit current quarterback Justin Fields, but it also positions the Bears well for the future, particularly if they decide to select Caleb Williams as their next franchise quarterback.

With Greg Olsen weighing in on Johnson’s ability to elevate quarterbacks and make the most out of their talents, it’s clear that the Bears are on the right path in terms of their offensive development. Johnson’s track record with quarterbacks like Jared Goff and his ability to craft an offense around his quarterback’s strengths should give the Bears hope that they can develop Fields into a star — and potentially bring Caleb Williams into a system where he can flourish.

The next few seasons for the Bears will be crucial, as they build an offense that could be one of the most exciting in the NFL. With Ben Johnson at the helm, the future of the Chicago Bears offense is bright — and the possibilities for a Caleb Williams-led team are even brighter.