It was a very rough year for the Chicago Bears and Chairman George McCaskey, but the hiring of Ben Johnson as coach gives fans reason for optimism.

Two days before he was announced as the Chicago Bears head coach, Ben Johnson coached in the NFC Divisional Round as the Detroit Lions took on the Washington Commanders. Tom Brady was on the call for FOX,

Perhaps this is why McCaskey believed the Bears were the most attractive franchise for any potential head coach. Chicago has won nine NFL championships, but only two since the conclusion of the 1946 season. Those came in 1963 and 1985.

Las Vegas parted ways with the first-year coach-GM tandem of Antonio Pierce and Tom Telesco earlier this month, and the “allure” of Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, was said to have helped the Raiders become an enticing option for Johnson, 38.

The Bears had targeted Johnson as their top candidate since firing head coach Matt Eberflus the day after Thanksgiving. They were convinced that his play-calling acumen and leadership skills were a perfect pairing with quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the Bears’ roster.

After a 5-12, last-place season that included 10 consecutive losses and the in-season firings of coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, the Chicago Bears embarked on a wide-ranging search to hire the franchise’s next head coach.

Johnson has passed several tests already, but there are still questions about how it will all work out for the Bears' new coach.

New Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson wrapped up the opening statement of his introductory news conference Wednesday at Halas Hall with a declaration. “Our mission, starting this spring, is to win and to win now,

Chicago’s introduction to Ben Johnson as the Bears’ savior-in-chief — a k a: head coach — seemed more coronation than filling the team’s latest coaching vacancy. Pomp and circumstance and ceremony on Dimethyltrienolone. A vibe unmatched by any hire (not draft or free-agent signing) since . . . well, since.

Every Bears coach since Lovie Smith has come in with confidence and high hopes, only to leave as a lesser version of himself. With a strong resume and QB Caleb Williams to work with, Johnson is the best chance yet to break that cycle.

It takes time to heal!” So, the Chicago Bears are trying to forget the unforgettable season of their 5 wins and 12 losses. The post Ex-NFLer Confirms Ben Johnson’s Plans for Bears’ Defense as Caleb Williams Excited for Journey With HC appeared first on EssentiallySports.