David Montgomery Responds to Ben Johnson Taking Chicago Bears Head Coach Job
In a significant turn of events within the NFL coaching landscape, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery offered a noteworthy reaction to the recent hiring of Ben Johnson as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears. This development marks a new chapter for both teams, with Montgomery, who spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Bears before joining the Lions in 2023, offering insight into his feelings regarding Johnson’s move and how it shapes the trajectory of the NFC North rivalry.
The Chicago Bears have long been a franchise in search of stability and leadership at the head coaching position. After a tumultuous stretch of seasons under previous head coach Matt Eberflus, who failed to turn around the team’s fortunes, the Bears front office made a bold decision by bringing in Ben Johnson. The hiring was met with excitement and trepidation across the league, as Johnson had been widely regarded as one of the top offensive minds in the NFL during his tenure as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator.
David Montgomery, who was drafted by the Bears in 2019 and served as one of their top offensive weapons for four seasons, left Chicago in the 2023 offseason after signing a lucrative contract with the Detroit Lions. His decision to leave the Bears was fueled by a desire for a fresh start and a more competitive environment, and he quickly became an instrumental part of the Lions’ offensive attack under head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. In his first season with the Lions, Montgomery helped guide the team to one of its most successful seasons in recent memory.
Though Montgomery left the Bears, he has always maintained a strong connection to the city of Chicago and its fans. When news broke that Ben Johnson was named the new head coach of the Bears, Montgomery took to social media and the media to express his thoughts on the hiring.
“I was fortunate enough to play under Ben in Detroit, and I can tell you first-hand that the Bears are getting a great coach,” Montgomery said in a statement issued to the press. “Ben knows how to bring out the best in players, and his offensive mind is second to none. He’s going to change the Bears’ offense in a big way, and I think Chicago fans will see that very quickly. The way he’s been able to grow and develop the Lions’ offense over the past couple of years speaks volumes about his coaching ability. I’m excited for him and for the future of the Bears’ offense.”
Montgomery’s praise for Johnson reflects his genuine belief in the new head coach’s capabilities. During their time together in Detroit, Montgomery became one of Johnson’s key offensive contributors, and the duo helped revitalize the Lions’ running game. Montgomery rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first season with Detroit, cementing his status as a reliable workhorse back for the team.
Johnson’s appointment as the head coach of the Bears represents a significant shift in the NFC North rivalry. The Bears, who have struggled in recent years to build a consistent and productive offense, now have a coach with a proven track record of success. Johnson’s work in Detroit was instrumental in the Lions’ offensive transformation, particularly in how they balanced their run and pass games. Under Johnson’s guidance, quarterback Jared Goff experienced a resurgence, and the team’s offensive line became one of the more formidable units in the league. Montgomery’s success in Detroit was a testament to Johnson’s ability to tailor his offense to the strengths of his players.
The news of Johnson’s hiring also came at a time when the Bears’ front office was under immense pressure to make the right decision after years of underperformance. The team had gone through multiple head coaches and quarterback changes but had yet to find a consistent identity. With Ben Johnson at the helm, the hope is that the Bears can finally establish a strong, balanced offense and a winning culture.
As for Montgomery, his comments also reflect his own growth as a player under Johnson’s tutelage. The running back was quick to highlight how Johnson’s coaching style focuses on building strong relationships with his players and putting them in positions to succeed. “Ben isn’t just a coach who draws up plays on a whiteboard,” Montgomery explained. “He’s a coach who knows how to connect with his players. He gets the best out of you not just because of his knowledge, but because he knows how to motivate and inspire you. That’s why I believe he’ll do wonders with the Bears.”
Montgomery’s comments also underscore the increasing importance of mentorship in the modern NFL. As the league becomes more focused on building player-coach relationships that extend beyond X’s and O’s, Johnson’s ability to create a positive, player-centric environment will be crucial in his success as head coach of the Bears. Montgomery’s admiration for Johnson also speaks to the respect the young offensive coordinator commands around the league, not just for his strategic brilliance but for his ability to foster a team-first mentality.
Looking ahead, the NFC North rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions is set to become even more compelling with Ben Johnson now leading the Bears. Montgomery’s move to Detroit has already added an intriguing dynamic, and with Johnson’s offensive prowess now at the helm in Chicago, the battles between these two teams will carry even more weight.
As Montgomery continues to make a name for himself in Detroit, the Bears’ fanbase is left to wonder how quickly Ben Johnson can turn around their fortunes. With the backing of Montgomery and others who have worked with Johnson, Chicago’s future looks bright — but only time will tell if the new head coach can translate his success in Detroit into victories for the Bears.
