On Wednesday, the Chicago Bears introduced new head coach Ben Johnson as he met the media for the first time.
It was an impressive opening press conference for the new head coach. Among things Johnson talked about were his offensive philosophy, pillars of the culture he wishes to establish at Halas Hall and just how thankful he was to be there.
Speaking of how thankful Johnson was to be in the building, this wasn't just something he was saying to make everybody feel good. No, Johnson wanted this job. In fact, we now know he's wanted this specific job for a long time and would have accepted it last year if it were offered to him.
Also among those in attendance was, of course, owner George McCaskey. The Bears owner was asked about Johnson's interview over Zoom and McCaskey pulled back the curtain just a bit on how things went in that conversation.
It just so happened that Johnson was, indeed, aggressive in his desire for this specific opening.
Bears chairman George McCaskey says the first thing Ben Johnson said in their Zoom was, “I want this job,” and he ended it with, “Did I tell you I want this job?”
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) January 22, 2025
Well, that's a heck of a way to open up an interview. Obviously Johnson has an interest in the job if he's taking the interview. But, to flat-out tell the panel "I want this job" as your first words and opening statement?
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That's not just bold. That had to be exactly what they were looking for. Johnson's passion and desire for this head coaching job rang through.
And, to end the interview with the exact same sentiment? That's a strong statement from Johnson, and it worked.
The Bears got the coach everyone else wanted
It was heartwarming, for Bears fans, to hear how much Johnson wanted this job. This is especially true because of how many reports we saw over the weekend in regards to Johnson being courted by the Las Vegas Raiders and minority owner Tom Brady.
Most Bears fans would probably agree that, in their heart of hearts, they expected Johnson to land elsewhere and for the Bears to screw this hiring up.
Johnson was highly sought after. He was wanted badly by other franchises.
Yet, the Bears got him. Somehow, some way, the Bears were able to land Johnson despite interest elsewhere. The reason seems to be simple, too. Johnson mentioned the Bears' "loaded" roster multiple times in his presser.
And, he wasn't just talking about Caleb Williams, although Johnson made sure to note that the quarterback played a big part in his decision. Johnson, though, knew this team was capable of far more than they accomplished last season, and that seemed to excite him.