What Ben Johnson will take from Lions head coach Dan Campbell and bring to Bears
For new Bears head coach Ben Johnson, Dan Campbell wasn’t just a boss or figurehead.
“Dan Campbell is more than just a colleague to me. He is a friend, he is a mentor, he is a man that trusted me when he didn’t need to and I will forever be in his debt and respect the heck out of him,” Johnson said at his introductory press conference on Wednesday from Halas Hall.
As he became Campbell’s offensive coordinator in the last three seasons with the Lions, Johnson observed his former coach and offered what he’d bring as he takes the helm in Chicago.
“Dan Campbell is truly authentic from the moment he steps into a building to when he leaves. He’s entirely him,” Johnson said. “And I know everyone talks about being yourself, but he certainly embodied that over the last four seasons I was with him, so I will forever take that with me, along with his ability to empower the people around him.
“So fortunately, my time in Detroit, both with [Matt] Patricia and with Campbell, were invaluable for me from a game management standpoint, it was like nothing I had experienced in Miami. There were a number of guys there that, in my opinion, were the best in the league. And so, I’ve been able to pick up a number of things from the weekly game management meetings that we would have, that we would continue to have here in Chicago.”
[EXCLUSIVE: Sit-down with Bears head coach Ben Johnson]
Johnson was hired by the Lions in 2019 under Patricia where he started as a offensive quality control coach and tight ends coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022 under Campbell.
Since his promotion to the Lions OC role, their offense has ranked in the top 10 in numerous categories including yards per game, total points and passing yards.
As Johnson sat down with Marquee Sports Network’s Scott Bair following his press conference on Wednesday, Johnson explained his desire to coach as well as to how he wants to leave his footprint as the newest Bears head coach.
“I got into coaching, one to win and then two to help the people around me become better versions of themselves,” Johnson told Bair. “Truth be told, when I looked at that situation in Detroit, they’re set up. Their runway is just starting. I think they’ve done a phenomenal job setting up that roster and that locker room, and it was time for me to find another challenge.
“Those guys are built, they’re ready to go and compete. And I wanted to come somewhere else where I could help develop. I could help engage and win.”
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