Bear Digest

What the Bears are saying officially about Ben Johnson

The Bears will hold a press conference for new coach Ben Johnson on Wednesday but after he signed a contract they sent out a series of comments by and about him.
Gene Chamberlain|
George McCaskey, Kevin Warren and Ryan Poles issued statements after the signing of Ben Johnson on Tuesday.
George McCaskey, Kevin Warren and Ryan Poles issued statements after the signing of Ben Johnson on Tuesday. | Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

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When the Bears got around to acknowledging Ben Johnson had been hired without an in-person interview, they sought on Tuesday to fete their new hire without a press conference.

That will come on Wednesday.

Here's what they said bout Johnson through their comments issued in statements to the media.

GM Ryan Poles:

"A proven leader with winning pedigree and a mind toward innovation, we are excited to welcome Ben and his family to Chicago as our head coach.

“Throughout our search process, I was thoroughly impressed by Ben’s character, intelligence, leadership and ability to connect. A progressive offensive mind, Ben’s plan for all three phases of our team, which is centered on creating a winning and competitive environment, became evidently clear. Meeting with Ben and gaining an understanding of his process and vision, the more confident we became that Ben is the right leader for our team and that he and I will be great partners in building our team and shaping our franchise for long-term success.

"It is undeniable how passionate Ben is for serving in the role of head coach of the Chicago Bears, and we are primed, equipped and excited to welcome him and his family to Chicago and to commence our process of building a championship-caliber team, together. This is just the beginning."

Team president Kevin Warren:

“I am grateful for the process that Ryan led, orchestrated and executed, and I am honored to welcome Ben, as well as his wife, Jessica, and their children, Emory, Kennedy and Halle, to our Chicago Bears family.

"It was a pleasure to get to know Ben and gain a true understanding, and sheer appreciation, for his passion, integrity and innovation. Ben is meticulous about the details, doing what is right for the betterment of the greater being, and motivated to push the limits of whatever is required to become a champion. His journey is honorable–Ben has not skipped a single step, and his new responsibility as Head Coach of the Chicago Bears is earned. It is a blessing to have Ben lead our team, and we look forward to his leadership and path toward greatness.

“We have been blessed with the greatest, most revered responsibility in sports–provide the best fans in the world with championship-level execution in everything that we do. Today, we take our next step in that pursuit. As we embark on the next chapter of our storied franchise, we are energized by what lies ahead."

Board chairman George McCaskey:

"We are elated to welcome Ben and his family to the Bears and the greatest city in the world. Ben's leadership, poise, preparation and detail are evident. We certainly appreciate the first-class manner in which he approached this process. We are excited to see him lead our Bears."

New Bears head coach Ben Johnson:

"The Chicago Bears are a world-class franchise with a phenomenal history and incredible fanbase.

“I am thankful to George, Kevin, Ryan and the entire organization for presenting me and my family with this tremendous opportunity. Having been on the opposing sideline, I can attest to how passionate Bears fans are about this city and their team, and I am honored to be their head coach.

“My family and I are incredibly blessed and fortunate to take this next step in our journey, and I cannot wait to lead our players, our support staff and organization, while doing so at the service of Bears fans. We are looking forward to fully ingraining ourselves in the great city of Chicago, as we work to create an impact in this special community. I am excited to partner with Ryan and the entire organization as we work to create a championship-caliber program. We are ready to get to work.”

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Gene Chamberlain
GENE CHAMBERLAIN

Gene Chamberlain has covered the Chicago Bears full time as a beat writer since 1994 and prior to this on a part-time basis for 10 years. He covered the Bears as a beat writer for Suburban Chicago Newspapers, the Daily Southtown, Copley News Service and has been a contributor for the Daily Herald, the Associated Press, Bear Report, CBS Sports.com and The Sporting News. He also has worked a prep sports writer for Tribune Newspapers and Sun-Times newspapers.