The Chicago Bears hired Ben Johnson with a clear vision: to support Caleb Williams, , the 2024 NFL Draft’s No. 1 overall pick. While Williams enjoyed individual success during his rookie season, with impressive stats, his efforts weren’t enough to lift the Bears past a disappointing 5-12 finish.
Bringing Johnson on board seems like a smart move, given his success in developing Jared Goff into a top-tier quarterback with the Detroit Lions. However, Johnson’s hiring comes with its own set of challenges, as it raises the stakes for Williams heading into his second season.
Chicago Bears made a significant financial commitment to Johnson, reportedly offering him a five-year, $65 million deal, which includes an annual salary of $13 million. That’s more than double the $6 million Matt Eberflus earned last year and higher than the $11 million Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell makes, according to Front Office Sports.
Additionally, Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who signed with the team in 2022, could soon see his contract extended to align with Johnson’s, which runs through 2029. While Poles’ new deal may not match Johnson’s, it could still add up to a total investment of nearly $20 million in the Bears’ leadership, all with the goal of maximizing Williams’ potential.
Though the Bears underperformed, Williams showed promise as a rookie, throwing for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. But his tendency to hold onto the ball led to a league-high 68 sacks, and his 95.4 passer rating on play-action ranked just 18th among starting quarterbacks.
While Johnson’s coaching can help address these weaknesses, Williams will need to take the reins in his second year. If he delivers, he and Johnson could become a powerhouse duo in the NFC North. If not, the Bears may look for a new quarterback to lead the team, placing significant pressure on Williams to prove his worth.