Ben Johnson: Wife| High School| Locker room| Who is| Salary

Who is Ben Johnson?

Ben Johnson is an American football coach — as of early 2025, he is the head coach of Chicago Bears in the NFL.

• Born on May 11, 1986, in Charleston, South Carolina.

• He played high school football as a quarterback at A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, North Carolina, where he helped lead his team to a state championship.

• For college, he was a walk-on quarterback at University of North Carolina (UNC), and graduated in 2008 with degrees in mathematics and computer science.

Before becoming a head coach, Johnson built his coaching career gradually — starting as a graduate assistant at Boston College, then working with the Miami Dolphins and the Detroit Lions in various assistant/coordinator roles, culminating in his promotion to offensive coordinator at Detroit. 
In January 2025, he was officially hired as the Chicago Bears’ head coach.

High School & Early Years

• Johnson attended A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, NC. During his time there, he played quarterback — as a junior, he helped the team win the North Carolina 4A state championship; as a senior, he was named conference player of the year.

• He graduated among the top five in his high school class — signaling early on a combination of academic strength and athletic talent.

• At UNC, though he didn’t star as a college quarterback, his academic background (math + computer science) and determination paved the way for a career in coaching.

Johnson’s path shows how high-school success paired with academic discipline can lead to a coaching career — even without a high-profile college playing career.

Family: Wife & Kids

• Johnson is married to Jessica Johnson, who was his high school sweetheart. Their relationship dates back to their time in high school.

• The couple tied the knot in 2014.

• They have three children together: two daughters — Emory and Halle — and a son, Kennedy.

Jessica Johnson has been described as a steady, supportive partner through Ben’s long coaching journey — from early assistant roles, through Detroit, and now to Chicago.

“Locker-Room” & Leadership Philosophy

As the new head coach of the Bears, Johnson has emphasized the importance of culture and unity. In his first public remarks after the hire, he said something to the effect of “there’s nothing more important than this locker room.”

That statement reflects a few of his core beliefs:

• People-first leadership — valuing players, support staff, and relationships above all.

• Accountability and team culture — building a “winning and competitive environment” through shared commitment and discipline.

• Attention to detail and preparation — traits influenced by his analytical background (math/computer science) and his steady climb through coaching ranks.

His reputation as an “innovative offensive mind” carries over into his locker-room philosophy: he aims to combine strategic football thinking with genuine care for players and staff — something the Bears organization cited as a reason for hiring him.

Salary & Contract

• Johnson’s deal as head coach of the Bears reportedly pays about US$13 million per year.

• According to reports, this contract spans five years, totaling around US$65 million.

• That salary puts him among the top-paid head coaches in the NFL, even as a first-time head coach.

This sizable contract reflects the confidence the franchise has placed in his vision and the high expectations for him to turn the team’s fortunes around.

Why He Matters — What to Watch For

1. Fresh energy for the Bears: With a new head coach like Johnson, the Bears are signaling a new direction — combining strategic offense with a strong locker-room culture.

2. Player development & offense: Given his track record (notably with the Detroit Lions’ offense), there’s hope he can bring a fast-paced, dynamic offense to Chicago.

3. Family-first leadership: His stable personal life — a wife and three children — and emphasis on relationships may foster a respectful, unified team environment.

4. Long-term potential: At just 38 and with a strong academic background plus coaching experience, Johnson is a young coach with room to grow — potentially one to shape the next decade for the Bears.