Ben Johnson Brings Lions Expertise to the Chicago Bears

The Start of a New Era for the Bears
When Ben Johnson was appointed as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise. Known for his offensive ingenuity during his time with the Detroit Lions, Johnson wasted no time assembling his coaching staff, bringing over key assistants from Detroit to help revitalize the Bears. Among his first hires were former Lions wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett, both of whom bring valuable experience and expertise to Chicago.

Antwaan Randle El: A Proven Winner
Antwaan Randle El, a former Super Bowl XL champion, was one of the first Detroit assistants to follow Johnson to the Bears. As the Lions’ wide receivers coach, Randle El played a pivotal role in developing one of the league’s most dynamic receiving corps. His ability to mentor young talent and instill a winning mentality will be a tremendous asset to the Bears’ offense as they look to elevate their passing game.

J.T. Barrett: From Lions Assistant to Bears Quarterbacks Coach
Another significant addition to Johnson’s staff is J.T. Barrett, who has been named the Bears’ quarterbacks coach. Barrett’s coaching career has been on a steady rise since joining the Lions in 2022 as an offensive assistant. He was promoted to assistant quarterbacks coach in 2023, where he worked closely with Jared Goff, helping the former No. 1 overall pick achieve back-to-back seasons with over 4,500 passing yards and 30+ touchdowns. Barrett’s success with Goff showcased his ability to refine quarterback mechanics and decision-making, making him a natural choice to take on a more prominent role in Chicago.

A Bright Future for Caleb Williams
In Chicago, Barrett will have the opportunity to develop another highly-touted quarterback: Caleb Williams. As the Bears’ new franchise QB, Williams showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season, though he also faced the inevitable challenges of adjusting to the NFL. With Barrett’s guidance, Williams has the potential to thrive in Johnson’s innovative offensive system. Barrett’s history of maximizing a quarterback’s strengths and addressing weaknesses makes him the ideal mentor for Williams as he looks to build on his rookie campaign.

Johnson’s Vision for the Bears
Ben Johnson’s hiring signals a shift in the Bears’ approach to team building. Known for his creativity and adaptability as an offensive coordinator, Johnson is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Chicago’s game plan. The addition of trusted assistants like Randle El and Barrett further reinforces his vision for a high-performing, cohesive coaching staff. While the Bears have yet to name an offensive coordinator for the 2025 season, Johnson’s early moves suggest a commitment to assembling a top-tier group of coaches.

Anticipation for the 2025 Season
With Johnson at the helm and a revamped coaching staff taking shape, optimism is building among Bears fans for the upcoming season. The combination of experienced mentors like Randle El and rising stars like Barrett creates an exciting mix of knowledge and innovation. As the Bears continue to fill out their staff, the foundation is being laid for a team that can compete at a higher level than in previous years.

Conclusion: A New Direction for the Bears
Ben Johnson’s arrival in Chicago, along with the additions of Antwaan Randle El and J.T. Barrett, marks a turning point for the Bears organization. These moves reflect Johnson’s commitment to building a culture of excellence and growth. For Caleb Williams and the rest of the team, this new coaching staff represents an opportunity to unlock their full potential and bring the Bears back to prominence in the NFL. With the 2025 season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Chicago to see how this fresh start unfolds.