The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2025 season with fresh energy, and it all starts at the top. Expectations may not be sky-high just yet, but with Ben Johnson now leading the charge as HC and Caleb Williams entering his second year, the Bears have their most promising coach-QB duo in years. The franchise hasn’t seen this kind of potential in a long time, and the pressure is on to turn it into results. Roster decisions are heating up as training camp looms. Soon, the focus will shift to position battles, surprise standouts, and the usual summer buzz from Lake Forest.
But the real story isn’t just about players – it’s about the man calling the shots. Johnson wasn’t just a hire; he was a statement. And according to insiders, his impact is already reshaping everything. The Chicago Bears’ offseason wasn’t about splashy player signings or blockbuster trades. According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin on The Big Pro Football Show, the real game-changer came from the coaching carousel, “The biggest off-season addition for the Chicago Bears is… It’s Ben Johnson. I know I’m going with low-hanging fruit, guys. But like, think about the move they made. It started with getting the right head coach in this building.” That was indeed the most needed change.
Ben Johnson @CourtneyRCronin joins @ruthiepolinsky and @clayharbs82 on The Big Pro Football Show and shares the biggest offseason addition for the Bears: pic.twitter.com/Ui4z5luRxi
— Bears on CHSN (@CHSN_Bears) July 7, 2025
Cronin didn’t mince words about Johnson’s impact: “They’re paying Ben Johnson $13 million a year. You don’t think their off-season strategies were affected by that? Everything from free agency, the players they went after in the draft, how they structured OTAs and minicamps… They got the most sought-after coach this cycle.” The Bears didn’t just hire a play-caller – they invested in a program builder.
Johnson’s rise through Detroit’s ranks reads like a coaching fairytale: from quality control assistant in 2019 to the architect of the NFL’s top-ranked 2024 offense. His Lions shattered records, scoring 33.2 points per game while becoming the first team ever with four 1,000-yard playmakers.
While all eyes are on Ben Johnson’s high-profile arrival, the Bears have quietly constructed something just as crucial for their young quarterback’s success. Chicago‘s front office didn’t just invest in a visionary coach – they built an entirely new foundation in the trenches.
Caleb Williams’ bodyguards: Ben Johnson’s OL overhaul
Ben Johnson’s $13 million price tag bought more than just an elite offensive mind; more importantly, it purchased a promise. A promise that, after last season’s struggles, Caleb Williams would never again endure the beating he took as a rookie. Now, while Johnson’s scheme will work magic, let’s be honest – even the savviest play-caller needs soldiers in the trenches. That’s exactly why Chicago’s front office delivered its quietest – and perhaps most crucial – offseason victory.
The transformation up front has been nothing short of dramatic. After all, gone are the days of watching Williams run for his life behind a leaky offensive line. Not surprisingly, Pro Football Focus now ranks this rebuilt unit as the fourth-best in football, and for good reason. You see, the Bears didn’t just patch holes – they installed armored plating. On one side, Joe Thuney brings his four Super Bowl rings to left guard, while Drew Dalman anchors the center with the precision of a veteran field general. Then again, there’s Jonah Jackson, returning to his Pro Bowl form now that he’s reunited with Johnson in his natural right guard position.
Credits: Imago
The only drama left? The battle at left tackle, where Braxton Jones fights to keep his job against hungry challengers Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie. Whoever wins the spot will complete what could become the NFL’s most improved offensive line. For Johnson, this isn’t just about calling plays -it’s about proving his vision extends beyond X’s and O’s. The Bears didn’t just hire a play-caller; they invested in an entire ecosystem for their franchise QB. Now we’ll see if both the mind and the muscle can deliver.
For Williams, let’s face it, these upgrades couldn’t come at a better time. Finally, no more running for his life. At last, no more hurried throws under pressure. And here’s the thing – if this new-look unit gels quickly, the Bears’ offense might shock the league. Best of all? With Johnson scheming up the attack, Chicago’s ceiling just got a lot higher.
The pieces are in place. Now, it’s time to see if they can deliver.
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