The Chicago Cubs may have played at least a partial role in helping lure new Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson to Chicago.
The 38-year-old high-energy former offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions made a huge splash on Tuesday when it was announced that he would be taking the head coach gig for the Bears.
The Chicago Cubs Connection
The universally well-liked and respected play-caller, who was one of the most in-demand head coaching candidates in recent memory, has shown an affinity for Chicago and its fans. That affinity, apparently, was fortified by his experiences viewing the loyalty shown by Cubs fans.
“There’s several reasons why I wanted this job,” Johnson told media in his introductory press conference. “The first is this place– for the last 10-plus years, my family and I have been coming up for a Cubs series every summer and it doesn’t take long to realize that this place is special.
“These people are special…I know we’re going to have so much fun living here.”
Ben Johnson has some work to do
Johnson takes the reins of a Bears team in disarray following a disappointing 5-12 season and a last place finish in the NFC North.
Despite the poor showing, though, the Bears team IS loaded with talent, notably, no. 1 draft pick, quarterback Caleb Williams, fellow first-round pick wide receiver Rome Odunze, and a defense that remains rock solid.
The Bears snapped up Johnson for the head coach gig just days after the top-seeded Lions got eliminated from the playoffs by the Washington Commanders.
The Johnson-Craig Counsell Connection
The move from one NFC North team to a division rival hearkens back to November of 2023 when the Cubs pulled off a similar shocker by signing manager Craig Counsell away from the NL Central rival Milwaukee Brewers.
New Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson takes slight jab at Matt Eberflus’ regime
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