Introduction

In a significant move for the Chicago Bears, general manager Ryan Poles announced his decision to hire Ben Johnson as the team's new head coach during a meeting at Halas Hall on January 19. Until this point, Poles had kept his preferences under wraps, wanting to allow the coaching search process to unfold without bias.

Structured Hiring Process

Presiding over the meeting, Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren detailed the organized structure of Poles' approach, which helped bring clarity to the hiring process. The urgency to finalize a coach came to a head during the Detroit Lions' playoff game against the Washington Commanders. A sudden realization prompted Poles and chairman George McCaskey to consider immediate action to secure Johnson's services before other teams could swoop in.

Caution and Urgency

Poles emphasized the need to prepare for a swift meeting, suggesting they be ready to fly to Detroit to meet with Johnson. But McCaskey wisely chose to allow Johnson time to process the Lions' playoff exit, advocating for a balance between caution and urgency.

Interviewing Candidates

The Bears maintained their scheduled interview with Eddie George, the then-head coach at Tennessee State, showing a commitment to assessing all candidates thoroughly. However, with the Lions knocked out of the playoffs, the urgency to pursue Johnson escalated dramatically.

A Shift in Leadership

The shift in leadership at the Bears' helm marked a substantive change from previous searches. McCaskey reflected that Poles likely had Johnson pegged as his top choice from the outset, but the GM smartly refrained from revealing his thoughts to prevent any premature decisions.

The Foundation of a New Era

The groundwork for Poles' era began with their first meeting at the airport on January 24, 2022. McCaskey vividly recalls picking up his GM, who—true to his background as a former offensive lineman—found it challenging to fit into the passenger seat of McCaskey's Honda Accord.

Previous Coach Hire

Just days after their initial meeting, Matt Eberflus secured the head coach position. However, the transition to hiring Johnson showcased a more structured and systematic search process under Poles.

Poles’ Organized Method

Warren lauded Poles’ organized method, which categorized candidates' experiences and previous performances. The interview panel, composed of key figures within the franchise, conducted evaluations using a numeric scale from one to nine, taking into account factors such as football intellect, leadership skills, and a future plan for quarterback development.

Efficient Candidate Evaluation

The Bears interviewed a total of 17 candidates, yet the system Poles developed emphasized efficiency, allowing for comprehensive assessment while maintaining a manageable workload for the decision-makers. Individual evaluations were submitted based on thorough reports and observable traits, aiming to eliminate emotional biases.

Modern Interview Techniques

Interestingly, during the search, the Bears leaned heavily on virtual interviews due to league restrictions on timing with playoff teams. Johnson's interview stood out; his enthusiasm resonated via Zoom, prompting immediate interest from the panel.

Transparency in the Decision-Making

Poles’ commitment to transparency allowed his team to weigh in on candidates without fear of influencing each other’s evaluations. This careful balance of gathering crucial insights led to decisive action when it came to selecting Johnson, who professed his desire to coach the Bears within both the first and last moments of his interview.

Official Introduction of Johnson

On January 22, the franchise welcomed Johnson officially at Halas Hall, with fans and analysts buzzing about what his leadership might mean for the future of the team. Following his hiring, Poles moved quickly to strengthen the roster, acquiring two new starters for the offensive line just days later in guards Jonah Jackson and All-Pro Joe Thuney.

Vision for the Franchise

Poles’ aggressive strategy in reshaping the Bears reflects his vision for a new identity and competitive edge. This ongoing collaboration between Poles and Johnson points to a potentially transformative season for the franchise.

Challenges Ahead

Both Poles and Johnson are committed to navigating the tough terrain of the NFC North, where they’ll face fierce competition from established teams like the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. This dual ambition is echoed in Johnson's words: he is ready to take on the challenge head-on.

Future Outlook

As the Bears gear up for the upcoming season under Johnson's guidance and Poles' strategic oversight, Chicago's football landscape is set for a potent revival. Can this new partnership lead the Bears back to glory? Only time will tell, but the excitement brewing in Chicago hints at a promising future with this ambitious leadership duo!