Ben Johnson has just been named head coach of the Bears. This Wednesday he held his first press conference under his new colors. He first mentioned the recent elimination in the playoffs of his former team, the Lions.
“An end to the season like this always causes a great wave of emotions. I am still shaken by all of this at the moment,” he told journalists (PFT). “It's very hard when you're around a group of guys like this. Our goal was not to win the division or the conference but to go all the way. I still think about the things I could have done differently. But as soon as the match was over I knew where I wanted to go. »
Eliminated on Sunday with Detroit, hired on Monday by Chicago, Ben Johnson did not hang around. The feeling of having to deal with a well-established structure, determined to do what it takes to win, convinced him.
“It was very important for me to see that the structure was built to win. I was able to see it throughout the recruitment process, in the answers to my questions. I really believe that we will be able (with the management team) to turn the situation around here,” he added.
Caleb Williams weighed in the choice of Ben Johnson
Among other discussions with Chicago general manager Ryan Poles, Johnson obviously mentioned Caleb Williams (QB) in his reasons for coming to Illinois.
“He is a phenomenal talent who, like so many other quarterbacks, had ups and downs in his first season. My role is to support him as much as possible. He will be at the heart of how the attack will be organized. »
The results he obtained in Detroit with Jared Goff are more than convincing. The big winner in this story may well be Caleb Williams. The young quarterback also said he was “excited” at the idea of working with the former Lions offensive coordinator.
In any case, his new coach was able to see his potential and that of the team. Facing the Bears twice this season made him feel like he was facing a “sleeping giant.” And for him Chicago was the most dangerous team in the division. The Vikings and Packers will appreciate it.
“I was personally more concerned about the Bears than any other team in the NFC North,” he said.
And according to Dave Birkett, Johnson was adamant about staying in the same division. The opportunity for him to place a small tackle on his future opponent Matt Lafleur.
“I enjoy beating Matt Lafleur twice a year,” he said.
The future games with the division rivals are already shaping up to be hot.
