Greg Olsen on Chicago Bears hiring Ben Johnson, how it helps Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears have been in the midst of a lengthy rebuilding process in recent years, focusing heavily on developing their young quarterback, Justin Fields, and building a team capable of competing for championships in the near future. However, with the 2024 season fast approaching and the team struggling to find consistent success, there has been speculation that the Bears will look for ways to expedite their development and position themselves as serious contenders.

One of the most important decisions a team can make in this situation is hiring the right coaching staff to maximize the potential of its young players, especially at the quarterback position. Recently, the Bears have made headlines for their interest in hiring Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, to help reshape their offensive scheme and provide a strong foundation for their future.

Greg Olsen, the former NFL tight end and current television analyst, has weighed in on this potential move and its implications for the Bears. Olsen’s insight provides a valuable perspective, especially when discussing the impact this hiring could have on the Bears’ plans for the future. More specifically, Olsen sees this move as a significant step toward positioning the Bears to not only develop their current quarterback but also to potentially land the next generational talent, Caleb Williams, in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Let’s break down why hiring Ben Johnson is seen as a strategic move for the Bears and how it could help position the team for success with Caleb Williams under center in the future.

The Impact of Ben Johnson’s Coaching on a Young Quarterback

Before delving into how Johnson could specifically help the Bears, it’s important to understand who Ben Johnson is and what he brings to the table as an offensive coordinator.

Ben Johnson has garnered significant attention across the NFL for his innovative offensive mind and his ability to maximize the talents of his players. After joining the Lions’ staff in 2019, Johnson quickly rose through the ranks and became the offensive coordinator in 2022. His ability to develop a high-powered, dynamic offense in Detroit, led by quarterback Jared Goff, has made him one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in the league.

Johnson’s offensive philosophy is built on creativity, balance, and adaptability. He utilizes a system that emphasizes both the passing and running games, creating a well-rounded approach that keeps defenses on their toes. Under Johnson’s guidance, Goff has revitalized his career, putting up some of his best numbers since his early years with the Los Angeles Rams. Johnson has also made great strides in developing a system that highlights the talents of players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and the powerful backfield duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

For the Bears, who have struggled to find consistency in their offense, Johnson represents a potential game-changer. His track record of developing quarterbacks and maximizing their strengths could be invaluable to both Justin Fields and, more importantly, a future quarterback like Caleb Williams. Johnson has a reputation for tailoring his system to the skill sets of his players, and this flexibility would be key in helping a young quarterback develop and reach their full potential.

How Ben Johnson’s System Could Help Caleb Williams

The idea of the Bears hiring Ben Johnson goes hand-in-hand with the possibility of selecting Caleb Williams in the 2024 NFL Draft. Williams, the star quarterback out of the University of Southern California (USC), is widely regarded as the most talented quarterback prospect since Patrick Mahomes and has the potential to be a generational talent in the NFL. His combination of arm strength, mobility, poise, and football IQ has drawn comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game.

But for a player like Williams to succeed, the system around him must be designed to accentuate his strengths and allow him to play freely. This is where Ben Johnson comes into play. Johnson’s offensive system is known for its adaptability, allowing his quarterbacks to operate with a high degree of freedom. Whether it’s creating a strong play-action game, utilizing spread concepts to create easy reads, or designing creative ways to get the ball into the hands of playmakers, Johnson has proven that he can help quarterbacks thrive in the NFL.

1. Simplified Systems, Focused Development

One of the key ways Johnson can help a young quarterback like Caleb Williams is by simplifying the system to allow the quarterback to grow quickly. Johnson’s offenses are known for being quarterback-friendly, with easy-to-read concepts and a heavy emphasis on giving the quarterback manageable decisions. By streamlining the system, Johnson would provide Williams with a platform to succeed early in his career.

This approach is especially important for a quarterback like Williams, who is still learning to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. Rather than overwhelming him with a complicated system that asks him to make difficult reads, Johnson would provide him with a more manageable playbook that is designed to allow Williams to use his natural talent and make decisions quickly. This would be a critical step in his development, helping him avoid the pitfalls that often trap rookies early in their careers.

2. Maximizing Mobility and Playmaking Ability

One of the standout traits of Caleb Williams is his ability to extend plays with his legs. He is a dual-threat quarterback who can hurt defenses both through the air and on the ground. While traditional pocket passers have long dominated the NFL, today’s game is becoming increasingly friendly to quarterbacks who can create with their legs. Johnson’s offense is built to make the most of this skill, incorporating plenty of rollouts, designed quarterback runs, and plays that break the pocket and allow the quarterback to use their athleticism.

For a quarterback like Williams, whose mobility is one of his best assets, Johnson’s system would make it easy to integrate this part of his game. The ability to move the pocket, create designed running lanes, and have play-action passes that make use of Williams’ natural ability to extend plays would be key in getting the most out of his skill set.

3. Creating a Balanced, Playmaking Offense

Ben Johnson’s offensive philosophy is not just about quarterback play, but also about creating a well-rounded offense that features explosive playmakers at multiple positions. Johnson has proven his ability to develop talented wide receivers and running backs, giving his quarterbacks multiple options to attack defenses. In Chicago, this would be crucial in helping Williams thrive.

The Bears already have playmakers like DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, and Darnell Mooney, and Johnson’s offense would allow these players to shine by creating mismatches on the field. Whether it’s getting Moore in space on short routes, utilizing Kmet as a reliable security blanket, or designing deep shots for Mooney, Johnson’s system would ensure that Williams has plenty of weapons at his disposal. Additionally, the Bears could further bolster their offensive weapons through the draft or free agency, surrounding Williams with a supporting cast that could maximize his abilities.

By creating a balanced offensive attack, Johnson would allow Williams to avoid feeling the pressure to do it all himself. Instead, he would be able to lean on his playmakers and spread the ball around, which would also reduce the risk of Williams forcing throws and making mistakes. A balanced offensive scheme that features both the run and the pass would make it easier for Williams to manage games and focus on developing his skills as a quarterback.

How Ben Johnson Helps Justin Fields

Although the focus of the Bears’ long-term future may be on Caleb Williams, the immediate impact of hiring Ben Johnson could also be huge for Justin Fields. Fields is still a young quarterback with a ton of potential, and Johnson’s system would likely help him as well.

Fields, like Williams, is a dual-threat quarterback who can hurt defenses with his legs. Johnson’s ability to maximize a quarterback’s mobility and create an offense that allows a quarterback to thrive outside the pocket would be a huge benefit for Fields. Under Johnson’s guidance, Fields would have the chance to grow into a more complete quarterback who can read defenses, extend plays, and make accurate throws on the run.

Moreover, Johnson’s emphasis on a balanced offense would allow Fields to work in a system where he isn’t forced to carry the entire load on his own. The Bears have seen some success in the running game, and Johnson’s system would further enhance that by building a strong play-action game. Fields would have more opportunities to make quick decisions in the passing game, which is crucial for his development as a passer.

What Does This Mean for the Bears Moving Forward?

Hiring Ben Johnson and positioning the team to draft Caleb Williams would signify a major shift for the Bears. The franchise has been in a rebuilding phase for some time, and the hope is that the right combination of coaching and personnel can finally lead them back to contention. With a young quarterback like Fields and a potential future star like Williams, the Bears have the opportunity to build a dynamic offense that could compete for championships.

Johnson’s ability to develop quarterbacks, maximize playmakers, and design a creative and adaptable offensive scheme makes him the perfect fit for a team looking to revitalize its offense. Whether it’s helping Fields take the next step or preparing Caleb Williams to lead the Bears to the promised land, Ben Johnson could be the key to unlocking the Bears’ offensive potential and setting them up for sustained success in the years to come.