It's official: Bears announce Ben Johnson's hiring. A look back at how past coaches fared.
Sports Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | | |
| | | | | Good morning, Chicago. The Bears have made it official, announcing Ben Johnson as their head coach Tuesday and scheduling an introductory news conference for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Halas Hall. The team issued its formal news release a day after news broke that the Lions offensive coordinator had agreed to join the Bears and was finalizing
a deal. In a statement, general manager Ryan Poles called Johnson “a proven leader
with winning pedigree and a mind toward innovation.” “Throughout our search process, I was thoroughly impressed by Ben’s character, intelligence, leadership and ability to connect,” Poles said. “A progressive offensive mind, Ben’s plan for all three phases of our team, which is centered on creating a winning and competitive environment, became evidently clear.” Stay connected with us all day: Sign up for our alerts and newsletters to get the latest news in your inbox. And you can follow us on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Bluesky.
Not a Tribune subscriber? Here's our latest offer. | | | | As Ben Johnson becomes the 19th head coach in the franchise’s 100-plus-year history, here a look back at the team’s 18 previous coaches. Some were significantly more successful than others. | | | | | The news of Ben Johnson’s arrival was greeted with excitement from many Chicago Bears fans — plus a bit of understandable skepticism from others. | | | | | Will Howard transferred to Ohio State to win a national championship, and he reached that goal by playing the best football of his career throughout the Buckeyes’ four games in the College Football Playoff. | | | | | Riley Leonard opened the national championship game with a do-it-all drive that made it appear the Notre Dame quarterback could win the title by himself. As it turned out, Leonard needed more help. | | | | | Philipp Kurashev had a bounce-back game, but the Chicago Blackhawks coughed up two leads — including a two-goal advantage. | | | | | Only the coordinators who interviewed for head coaching jobs before playoff games know if those conversations were a distraction. It won’t stop people from speculating about it. | | | | | Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles called new coach Ben Johnson “a proven leader with winning pedigree and a mind toward innovation.” | | | | | Ichiro Suzuki became the first Japanese player chosen for baseball’s Hall of Fame when he was elected Tuesday along with CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. | | | |
