Bears

[corey90]

I have to say Ben Johnson was my number 3 below Carrol and McCarthy. That said I am happy with the pick. To be fair my only concern is if he has a strong enough personality to make culture changes and stand up to our dysfunctional management team. He seems like a great guy and I am happy he is a Bear. Let’s hope he has the freedom to make the necessary changes.
Da Bears!

 

[ramblinman]

Meh.

Would have been my response to whomever was hired. It's a defense mechanism for me now. Short of ownership change, I am intentionally avoiding the trap of getting my hopes up about anything regarding this franchise

 

[forlouann]

Breaking news the Bears have reached out to me about interviewing for the Head Coaching position, apparently they like work I’ve done with my middle school team and want to leave no stone unturned while trying to find the best possible coach.

I'm as surprised as anyone here you didn't get the job. Once again, I feel the Bears have missed out on the best candidate

 

[colin2229]

I will be curious to hear them explain how they hired a coach that they didn’t interview in person.

They part is extremely odd.

You miss out on so much without being face to face. Surprised their giving millions and the most important job in their org to someone they didn’t interview in person.

 

[LTHSALUM76]

So far what I have seen on this page are statements I agree with 100%. I want Johnson to do a good job and be successful. We all want that. But as has been said, I am skeptical and that feeling comes from years...I mean decades of failure.

This isn't a knock on Johnson. It is a knock on the Bears organization. I don't trust the organization and I haven't for years...I mean decades. I just hope they don't wreck the guy.

 

[ClownBaby]

I will be curious to hear them explain how they hired a coach that they didn’t interview in person.

They part is extremely odd.

You miss out on so much without being face to face. Surprised their giving millions and the most important job in their org to someone they didn’t interview in person.

Did they feel pressure from other teams being interested in him so they were the first to offer him? I’m more curious to see if he plans on calling plays? If he doesn’t call plays it takes some of the shine off the hire since you by passed proven coaches for an offensive wiz.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Did they feel pressure from other teams being interested in him so they were the first to offer him? I’m more curious to see if he plans on calling plays? If he doesn’t call plays it takes some of the shine off the hire since you by passed proven coaches for an offensive wiz.

I would be shocked if he didn’t.

 

[PowerI66]

I haven't seen any rumored OC stuff online yet. To me, that would indicate he's more concerned about the other rolls first since he will be calling plays.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Guys, he is gonna be calling plays.
He made his name as a play caller. He is not going to hand that to someone else in his first year of his first HC job.

 

[stripes13]

Meh.

Would have been my response to whomever was hired. It's a defense mechanism for me now. Short of ownership change, I am intentionally avoiding the trap of getting my hopes up about anything regarding this franchise

I feel ya, but consider the following:
- They fired Eberflus in season which is something they've never done before.
- They flew McCarthy in a private plane, which I'll bet they've always decided to go with coach.
- They had to pony up the money.
- They were able to hire Ben Johnson without even interviewing in person.

It might be the McCaskey name on the checks, but he's probably doing umpiring clinics all day.

 

[StormFire]

Watching Washington thoproughly beat the heavily favored Lions brought me back almost 40 years to January of both 1987 and 1988. Joe Gibbs out-coached the pants off Ditka twice - on Ditka's home field.

That was so painful.

 

[MC63]

That was so painful.

In so many ways. After the first "upset," several drunken brawls broke out in the stands. The following year's game featured zero temperatures.

Truly forgettable.

 

[LTHSALUM76]

Watching Washington thoproughly beat the heavily favored Lions brought me back almost 40 years to January of both 1987 and 1988. Joe Gibbs out-coached the pants off Ditka twice - on Ditka's home field.

There you go again. I straightened you out about this a few years ago and apparently didn't take. Tell everyone just how Joe Gibbs "outcoached" Ditka. What decisions did Ditka make that cost them those two games? Tell us?

Now let me straighten you out AGAIN about all this.

Let's first say Jim McMahon was injured and didn't play in the 1987 game. Bambi was awful. In that game the Bears lost 27-13. Dennis Gentry returned the opening kickoff 60 yards. But the Bears committed several offensive penalties and netted three yards on the drive and Kevin Butler missed a 49 yard FG. Later in the 1st QTR the Redskins went on a 69 yard drive to score the opening points with a TD. Sure, that was Ditka's fault. The Bears answered with a TD of their own. 7-7.

On the next possession Richardson intercepted a pass and returned it to the WAS 4 yard line. But the Bears didn't get into the end zone. Must have been Ditka's fault. Bears FG. 10-7 CHI. Butler hit another before the half. 13-7 CHI. Then the roof fell in.

In the 3rd QTR Flutie threw an int that was returned to the Bears 26 and the Redskins drove for a TD. 14-13 WAS. Gentry then made another long kickoff return to the WAS 42 and they went to the 17 before Walter Payton lost a fumble. WAS drove 83 yards aided by a Richardson pass interference penalty for another TD as the 4th QTR started. 21-13 WAS. Redskins kicked two more 4th QTR FGs to win. 27-13. The Bears turned the ball over four times in that game. Flutie was 11-31 with five completions in the second half and Payton rushed 14 times for 38 yards. The OL was horrible on that day as was the defense.

While I blamed Ditka for wanting to get Flutie he was NOT outcoached that day. The Bears were awful on that day and a lot of teams in the league could have beaten them.

The 1988 game was worse. The Bears jumped out to a 14-0 lead. WAS scored a TD in the 2nd QTR to make it 14-7. Then Butler missed a 48 yard FG. The next WAS drive was aided by a late hit penalty on Maurice Douglas. WAS scored a TD to tie the game 14-14 at the half.

The second half was a disaster. The big play came when Darrell Green returned a punt 52 yards for a TD to make it 21-14 WAS. Butler kicked a FG in the 3rd QTR to make it 21-17. Early in the 4th QTR WAS faked a FG but Jay Schroeder slipped and fell ending the drive. The Bears then drove all the way to the WAS 14 when Jim McMahon threw an interception in the Redskin end zone. Then on the next CHI drive McMahon threw another interception. He threw three interceptions in the second half of that game. On the Bears final drive Payton was stopped one yard short of a first down on a 4th down play and that ended it.

Simply put, the Bears played terrible football in both of those games, deserved to lose both and in no way was Ditka outcoached. I remember these games like it was yesterday and was very disappointed by the Bears' poor play.

 

[corey90]

I feel ya, but consider the following:
- They fired Eberflus in season which is something they've never done before.
- They flew McCarthy in a private plane, which I'll bet they've always decided to go with coach.
- They had to pony up the money.
- They were able to hire Ben Johnson without even interviewing in person.

It might be the McCaskey name on the checks, but he's probably doing umpiring clinics all day.

I will only say old dogs never change. Just saying. Yes they have done things differently but believe me they were coached and you never know when they will become involved. Not in a good way. The best thing they can do is stay away as far as possible.

 

[PowerI66]

 

[colin2229]

Did they feel pressure from other teams being interested in him so they were the first to offer him? I’m more curious to see if he plans on calling plays? If he doesn’t call plays it takes some of the shine off the hire since you by passed proven coaches for an offensive wiz.

He’s gonna call plays.

He also said this was the job he wanted and that’s why things moved as fast as they did.

I really like this guy.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

He’s gonna call plays.

He also said this was the job he wanted and that’s why things moved as fast as they did.

I really like this guy.

Ya, it was never a question if he was gonna call plays…not sure why some brought it up.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Not surprising but offical;
Interim head coach Thomas Brown, interim OC/WRs coach Chris Beatty, OL line coach Chris Morgan, QB coach Kerry Joseph and defensive coordinator Eric Washington will not be retained by the Bears.

 

[LTHSALUM76]

I must say. Thirteen million dollars is a LOT of money to pay a guy as a HC with no experience and it's a lot to pay a guy who has experience. I hope the Bears organization knows what its doing. With this kind of money being paid out, nothing less than a SB championship is acceptable. And if this flops, it will be the biggest head coaching hire debacle in the history of the organization.

I like the aggressiveness. But damn!

 

[SiuCubFan8]

I must say. Thirteen million dollars is a LOT of money to pay a guy as a HC with no experience and it's a lot to pay a guy who has experience. I hope the Bears organization knows what its doing. With this kind of money being paid out, nothing less than a SB championship is acceptable. And if this flops, it will be the biggest head coaching hire debacle in the history of the organization.

I like the aggressiveness. But damn!

It's not my money, so I don't care. I'm glad they got aggressive and got the "it guy" out there.
Press conferences are press conferences but he is not a bumbling idiot like previous HC(s) they have hired.
Biggest takeaway, he is going to mold the O around Caleb and strengths of personnel, novel concept!!!! He is not a play stealer like Nagy and Waldron.

 

[greatgig13]

It’s a great gig. Pays well and Januarys off.

 

[4Afan]

I must say. Thirteen million dollars is a LOT of money to pay a guy as a HC with no experience and it's a lot to pay a guy who has experience. I hope the Bears organization knows what its doing. With this kind of money being paid out, nothing less than a SB championship is acceptable. And if this flops, it will be the biggest head coaching hire debacle in the history of the organization.

I like the aggressiveness. But damn!

They have the money and there's no salary cap on coaches so they can give him whatever they want for all I care.

 

[LTHSALUM76]

They have the money and there's no salary cap on coaches so they can give him whatever they want for all I care.

Of course you don't. It's not your money. And that is not the point. The point is spending money is one thing. And spending it wisely is another.

 

[LTHSALUM76]

It's not my money, so I don't care. I'm glad they got aggressive and got the "it guy" out there.
Press conferences are press conferences but he is not a bumbling idiot like previous HC(s) they have hired.
Biggest takeaway, he is going to mold the O around Caleb and strengths of personnel, novel concept!!!! He is not a play stealer like Nagy and Waldron.

Payroll goes up...so do ticket prices. Of course they go up anyway whether they win or lose. I will remind you again. Dave Wannstedt was also the "it guy."

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Payroll goes up...so do ticket prices. Of course they go up anyway whether they win or lose. I will remind you again. Dave Wannstedt was also the "it guy."

Never said Johnson was going to work out, that we will know in the coming years. I'm glad they got the guy they targeted and a guy the league also held in the same regard and that money was no issue.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Bears are cheap, fans say.
Bears spend money on a highly regarded OC for HC.
People complain.

 

[4Afan]

Bears are cheap, fans say.
Bears spend money on a highly regarded OC for HC.
People complain.

 

[4Afan]

Of course you don't. It's not your money. And that is not the point. The point is spending money is one thing. And spending it wisely is another.

And I would argue that spending it on the top coaching candidate on the market is spending wisely.

 

[LTHSALUM76]

Bears are cheap, fans say.
Bears spend money on a highly regarded OC for HC.
People complain.

I use to say the Bears were cheap...when they were cheap. You and the other guy are misreading my post. What I am saying is 13 million is a ton of money. And if you look at what NFL head coaches make, Johnson is now the sixth highest paid coach...and he hasn't even coached a game.

Every coach making more than Johnson has either been to or won a Super Bowl. And I see two guys below him in the top 10 who have both won a SB.

My point is this. Thirteen million dollars is a lot to pay an NFL coach on the come who hasn't coached a game. Again, for this kind of money the Bears had better field perennial playoff teams with deep runs and a Super Bowl championship or yes, it will be a waste of money.

 

[LTHSALUM76]

And I would argue that spending it on the top coaching candidate on the market is spending wisely.

Not until he wins. There are coaches out there who started for much less and got their teams to playoffs year after year and to a Super Bowl. Dave Wannstedt was also the top candidate the year the Bears hired him too. Being the top candidate, like having a college degree, does not guarantee success.

It's the Bears' money. I hope they are spending it wisely. I said bring in McCarthy and the Bears could have gotten him for less and he has proven credentials. And McCarthy wasn't even in the top 10 coaches salary-wise. I hope Johnson wins and I do like the aggressiveness but that is a big chunk of change for an unproven HC. Big difference between being an OC and HC.

And remember, you are the guy who said the Bears were a playoff team in 2024. LOL. 😄 😄

I will believe it if and when I see it.

 

[4Afan]

Not until he wins. There are coaches out there who started for much less and got their teams to playoffs year after year and to a Super Bowl. Dave Wannstedt was also the top candidate the year the Bears hired him too. Being the top candidate, like having a college degree, does not guarantee success.

It's the Bears' money. I hope they are spending it wisely. I said bring in McCarthy and the Bears could have gotten him for less and he has proven credentials. And McCarthy wasn't even in the top 10 coaches salary-wise. I hope Johnson wins and I do like the aggressiveness but that is a big chunk of change for an unproven HC. Big difference between being an OC and HC.

And remember, you are the guy who said the Bears were a playoff team in 2024. LOL. 😄 😄

I will believe it if and when I see it.

Why are you hung up on Wanny? The NFL coaching landscape is just a touch different then it was 30+ years ago.

Also, who cares how much they give him, it's not coming out of your pocket. It doesn't count against the salary cap so they could give him $50 million a year for all I care. Yes it's a ton of money and I agree that I'll believe he's good when I see it, but as long as Virginia is the one signing the checks why does it matter what they pay him? It's about time they start spending like an organization that is worth billions.

 

[ramblinman]

I will remind you again. Dave Wannstedt was also the "it guy."

As were Abe Gibron and Jim Dooley.

In defense of Wanny, he went 41-57 over six full seasons with the Bears. He got fired and then went straight to the Dolphins where he became a DC first before moving into the HC role the following year. As HC of the Dolphins, he compiled a 43-33 record over 4.5 seasons.

Given what we know about the Bears organization and its history of dysfunction, I think the question should be asked if the problem was more Wanny's or was it the organization's? For that matter, I think we need to ask that question about all of the Bears' head coaches, including Ditka.

If I were a HC candidate in the NFL, I would have to think twice and thrice before accepting an offer from this bunch of misfits masquerading as a professional football club.

If I were the Bears looking to hire a HC, I'd have to think twice about a candidate who accepts my offer. As it applies to the Bears, Groucho Marx was spot on when he said, "I wouldn't want to belong to a club that would have me for a member."

 

[LTHSALUM76]

Why are you hung up on Wanny? The NFL coaching landscape is just a touch different then it was 30+ years ago.

Also, who cares how much they give him, it's not coming out of your pocket. It doesn't count against the salary cap so they could give him $50 million a year for all I care. Yes it's a ton of money and I agree that I'll believe he's good when I see it, but as long as Virginia is the one signing the checks why does it matter what they pay him? It's about time they start spending like an organization that is worth billions.

It doesn't matter what the coaching landscape is today. I bring up Wannstedt because he was, indeed the hottest candidate at the time. The landscape of today is totally irrelevant to my point. What hasn't changed is the Bears organization. That is what I am saying. Get it now?

You need to focus more before you come here to respond to things people write. You still don't get it and I am not sure you ever will. Again and for the umpteenth time, you are arguing just to argue.

Let me try to explain it so even you can understand it. Once again. In comparison to what league coaches, veteran league coaches who have already been successful, are making, the contract Johnson got was a very rich one considering the circumstances. Now try to focus and understand that.

I know all the stuff you are trying to argue with.

I do have faith in Johnson. He is the engineer. What I don't have faith in is the Bears as an organization. And I have a lot of past history to discuss that. The engineer is of no use if the engine won't start and run properly. And until I see the engine running properly I will continue to make that point.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Let me try to explain it so even you can understand it. Once again. In comparison to what league coaches, veteran league coaches who have already been successful, are making, the contract Johnson got was a very rich one considering the circumstances. Now try to focus and understand that.

Everyone knows it's a rich contract for a first time coach, you are not saying anything we don't know.
I am confused by your focus on money, why care and focus on it?
We know contract amount doesn't automatically equal success.

Again, we know the Bears org has so many missteps it would be a LONG book. I would rather they act like the Charter Franchise and pay to get the guy and reach high rather than fumble around and hire for a coaches floor. If you believe they should have hired a guy with HC experience I respect that, there is certainly validity to that opinion. But I am just not sure how money has anything to do with it? If you have conviction in a candidate, do what you have to do to get him.

 

[4Afan]

It doesn't matter what the coaching landscape is today. I bring up Wannstedt because he was, indeed the hottest candidate at the time. The landscape of today is totally irrelevant to my point. What hasn't changed is the Bears organization. That is what I am saying. Get it now?

You need to focus more before you come here to respond to things people write. You still don't get it and I am not sure you ever will. Again and for the umpteenth time, you are arguing just to argue.

Let me try to explain it so even you can understand it. Once again. In comparison to what league coaches, veteran league coaches who have already been successful, are making, the contract Johnson got was a very rich one considering the circumstances. Now try to focus and understand that.

I know all the stuff you are trying to argue with.

I do have faith in Johnson. He is the engineer. What I don't have faith in is the Bears as an organization. And I have a lot of past history to discuss that. The engineer is of no use if the engine won't start and run properly. And until I see the engine running properly I will continue to make that point.

I get exactly what you're saying. You gotta stop plucking that one string guitar every time I refute something you say. Yes, they're giving him a lot of money compared to several veteran coaches in the league before ever coaching a game. My response is, so what? Why does it matter? They have the money so why does it matter if they give him $6 million or $13 million per year? You say you have no faith in the Bears organization, so wouldn't the perceived over paying for a first time head coach make sense to you?

 

[4Afan]

Everyone knows it's a rich contract for a first time coach, you are not saying anything no one already knows.

Exactly, but the Bears should have learned their lesson when they hired Wanny over 30 years ago. 🙄

 

[ramblinman]

Perhaps the Bears need to pay an inflated salary just to get a HC to work for them. It's combat pay.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Perhaps the Bears need to pay an inflated salary just to get a HC to work for them. It's combat pay.

OR maybe the Bears actually had a read on the market and didn’t want to miss out on their guy?

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Pete Carroll to Vegas

 

[pjjp]

I do have faith in Johnson. He is the engineer. What I don't have faith in is the Bears as an organization. And I have a lot of past history to discuss that. The engineer is of no use if the engine won't start and run properly. And until I see the engine running properly I will continue to make that point.

This is the part that I struggle with as well. I liked everything I heard from Johnson at his press conference, but as we know, that doesn't amount to much. However, he is a dynamic personality, who seems both very intelligent and tough. I'm encouraged by his toughness. He's not a meek and mild individual like say....Phil Emery, Mark Trestman, Ryan Pace, Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles. When I look back over George McCaskey's tenure, he seems to favor the meek and mild types. This is football after all. Strong, tough personalities are required, IMO. I like Johnson's track record. He's climbed through the ranks and excelled at every level of coaching. Will he be a good head coach? Time will tell. I'm actually surprised he wanted the job so badly. It seems the allure of the city of Chicago may have played a part in that.

After he puts together a staff, his biggest challenge may be in dealing with what I consider the ineptitude of Ryan Poles. He's had three years in the job. Look at his draft picks. Look at his trades and FA signings. I don't see difference makers. Is he all of a sudden going to be become a shrewd judge of talent? Seems unlikely. What has he done to warrant a 4th year? George seems to like him, and I guess that may be the key point as to why he is still there.