The Chicago Bears shocked the NFL landscape by hiring Ben Johnson. Johnson has been the most sought-after coaching candidate in the last two coaching cycles. Johnson led a top-five offense for the previous three seasons in Detroit and revitalized the career of Jared Goff.
The hope is for Johnson to do the same thing for the Bears offense and for starting quarterback Caleb Williams
Ben Johnson is getting paid
In order to seal the deal on hiring Johnson, Bears chairman George McCaskey finally did something Bears fans never thought he would do: Open up his checkbook.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin revealed some insight into Johnson’s contract situation and his hiring in Chicago.
“What’s less common for first-time head coaches are substantial salaries. He’s believed to be making $13 million per year, whereas Eberflus made $6 million. As one source put it, the Bears “didn’t cut corners” when it came to paying Johnson.”
When McCaskey talked to reporters after Johnson’s introductory press conference, he explained how Bears GM Ryan Poles told him that Johnson is the guy that the Bears need to hire, McCaskey responded with “Go get him”.
And it seems that McCaskey was willing to do everything to bring Chicago the right head coach.
Chicago Bears head coach among the highest-paid coaches in the NFL
Cronin confirmed that Johnson’s contract length is a five-year deal, which is typical for most new NFL coaches on their first contract. However, his $13 million a year is among the highest in the NFL.
“Top 10 highest-paid NFL coaches by annual salary:
1. Andy Reid – $20M 2. Sean Payton – $18M 3. Mike Tomlin – $16M 3. Jim Harbaugh – $16M 5. Sean McVay – $15M 6. Kyle Shanahan – $14M 7. Ben Johnson – $13M 8. John Hargbaugh – $12M 9. Dan Campbell – $11M 10. Sean McDermott – $11M”
Top 10 highest-paid NFL coaches by annual salary:
1. Andy Reid – $20M
2. Sean Payton – $18M
3. Mike Tomlin – $16M
3. Jim Harbaugh – $16M
5. Sean McVay – $15M
6. Kyle Shanahan – $14M
7. Ben Johnson – $13M
8. John Hargbaugh – $12M
9. Dan Campbell – $11M
10. Sean McDermott – $11M— Dave (@dave_bfr) February 3, 2025
The Bears are going all in
Johnson’s already being paid nearly as much as multiple established winning coaches in the NFL. This comes as a surprise to most Bears fans due to the franchise always being known for never opening their checkbooks up.
Johnson’s five-year contract is expected to align with Ryan Poles, who is reportedly expected to get a new contract extension soon.
It looks like the McCaskey family decided it was finally time to go all in for a chance to be successful. Hopefully, the duo of Johnson and Poles will be in Chicago for a very long time. It’s finally time for this franchise to win.
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