The Chicago Bears have a new head coach, and for the first time in franchise history, it is the guy everyone else wanted.
Ben Johnson is now the new head coach of the Bears. Despite interest from other franchises with vacancies and a reported "bidding war" for his services, Johnson still ended up in Chicago.
It's something unlike fans have seen before. The fan base is not accustomed to the Bears doing exactly what they should be doing. In fact, it's usually the opposite. Whether it be Ryan Poles, Ryan Pace, Jerry Angelo or any other general manager, the Bears will many times pretend they know how to outsmart the rest of the league.
This time, though, was much different. Poles indeed went with the best man for the job and somehow, the Bears were able to get it done.
After the hiring, plenty of shock ensued from fans, analysts and players. However, what really spoke volumes was learning that the shock extended around the entire NFL.
George McCaskey spent big money on Ben Johnson and the league couldn't believe it
Chicago media personality David Kaplan took to social media a little while after the hire and wrote that he heard from someone with direct knowledge of the bidding war on Johnson. What this source told him is pretty telling:
“Damn, George McCaskey stepped up. He got to a place where he had to be uncomfortable with the money and he didn't blink. He approved big money. Many folks in the NFL are super surprised they got Ben."
More on Ben Johnson:
This sentiment isn't hard to believe. As I said, there have been a lot of shocked reactions. From someone like NFL Network's Kyle Brandt simply saying "I'm shocked" on Tuesday morning's episode of Good Morning Football to former Bears quarterback and current analyst Chase Daniel uttering the same words, it seems to be a common theme.
Those around the league, former players, current players ... the overall, initial sense was shock.
What a day to be a Chicago Bears fan, huh?
The fan base has experienced plenty of false hope over the years, but this feels different. And yes, I understand that statement sounds exactly like fans in every other offseason. But, the Bears did truly do something they have never done, and that should mean something.
Not only did they hire the guy everyone else wanted, but George McCaskey spent the big money in order to make it happen. The Bears are historically cheap. They don't spend a lot of money on their head coaches. They don't make the splashy moves.
That's not McCaskey's style.
Until now.