In January 2025, Ben Johnson’s decision to accept the Chicago Bears’ head coach position over the Jacksonville Jaguars surprised many in the NFL community. While Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, was a sought-after coaching candidate, many believed he would choose to work with quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville. However, Johnson ultimately selected the Bears, leading to speculation about the reasoning behind his choice.
Tom Pelissero from the NFL Network shared insights on the Rich Eisen Show on April 9, 2025, explaining why Johnson chose Chicago over the Jaguars. Pelissero mentioned that Johnson saw the potential in Chicago, especially with the talent and drive of quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. He emphasized that Williams’ ambition and goal-driven mentality were appealing to Johnson. On the other hand, Pelissero noted that Lawrence’s rookie season, which was plagued by issues related to former head coach Urban Meyer, left the quarterback in a less stable environment, which could have been a factor in Johnson’s decision.
The Jaguars’ 2024 season had been disappointing, with the team finishing 4-13 and last in the AFC South. Despite a promising 9-win season in 2023, the Jaguars failed to make the playoffs due to inconsistency. This instability might have influenced Johnson’s preference for Chicago, a team that offered a fresh start with a talented quarterback like Williams.
Another factor in Johnson’s decision could have been Lawrence’s injury concerns. The Jaguars quarterback suffered a concussion in December 2024 and missed the rest of the season. While Lawrence was recovering and progressing, Johnson might have been hesitant to take a risk with a team still uncertain about their quarterback situation.
Williams, on the other hand, had an impressive rookie season with the Bears despite the team’s struggles. He played all 17 games, throwing for 3,541 yards with 20 touchdowns, although his completion rate was relatively low at 62.5%. Johnson would be tasked with helping Williams improve on these numbers and develop further. While some may question Johnson’s decision, the success of this move largely depends on how ready Williams is to step up and lead the team effectively.
In addition to these factors, Caleb Williams himself expressed excitement about working with Johnson. After the Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus in November 2024, fans were eager to see what Johnson, a highly regarded offensive mind, would bring to the team. Williams praised his new coach for already challenging him and the other quarterbacks in their first meeting. He mentioned a “quiz” session where Johnson tested their knowledge, a sign that the new head coach was eager to get to work.
Williams also reflected on how his perspective had shifted since his rookie season. Despite the Bears’ poor record, Williams felt more confident and was excited about the growth potential with Johnson at the helm. He emphasized the importance of working together with Johnson to improve and achieve success on the field. Williams recognized the significance of the quarterback position in the NFL and understood that Johnson’s push to elevate his game was essential for the team’s future.
With the upcoming season on the horizon, all eyes are on Ben Johnson as he embarks on his first head coaching journey. Fans are eager to see how he manages the responsibilities of leading a team, particularly with a talented quarterback like Caleb Williams under his guidance. The success of this pairing will depend on how well Johnson can harness Williams’ potential and turn the Bears into a competitive team. The season ahead will reveal whether Johnson’s decision was the right one for both his career and the future of the Bears.