NFL insider says Ben Johnson picked Chicago Bears for one specific reason

The Bears hired former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their head coach, and a former NFL quarterback and current analyst sees only one reason Johnson took the job.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), left, talks to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson before a play against Chicago Bears during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson had his choice of where he wanted to coach next season, with serious interest from the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars.

He chose the Chicago Bears for something the other teams don't have.

NFL insider Diana Russini of The Athletic said Johnson picked Chicago because of Caleb Williams. Her podcast co-host (and former Bears quarterback) Chase Daniel followed up and agreed with her reporting. It's all about the quarterback.

Johnson is clearly looking forward to working with last year's No. 1 overall pick in Chicago, with immense potential to lead a high-flying offense.

Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) pressures Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. | Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Yes, the Jacksonville Jaguars have Trevor Lawrence, but their quarterback is signed to a $275 million contract that limits the team's ability to pay for quality talent around the QB.

The Bears have Williams on his rookie contract for three more seasons, plus a fifth-year option on the end of the deal that will still pay him below market value. Johnson has the opportunity to mold Williams into the best quarterback in franchise history.

The coach who develops the team's all-time top QB would certainly get remembered as one of the greats for an already historic franchise.

This is the dream pairing for both the quarterback and the head coach. It's what Johnson wanted. It's what Williams wanted. And it's what Bears fans wanted.

Everybody wins. Except Lions fans.

Ben Johnson picked the Bears because of the quarterback.

It's that simple.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 20, 2025

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bears from Chicago Bears on SI  —

More Chicago Bears News:

• Grading the Chicago Bears hiring Ben Johnson as next head coach

• For the Chicago Bears, the most important weapon in Ben Johnson’s arsenal is hope

• Ben Johnson hiring feels different than previous Chicago Bears head coach decisions

• Ben Johnson is using the media to pit Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars against each other