Bengals’ Zac Taylor reveals pursuit of Bears’ Ben Johnson as defensive coach
CINCINNATI — In a candid reflection on his early days as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, Zac Taylor revealed a noteworthy attempt to bolster his coaching staff with a significant hire. The target of his ambitions was none other than current Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, whom Taylor sought to bring on as a defensive coach.
Initial Pursuit After 2020 Season
Taylor’s interest in Johnson was ignited following the 2020 season, a time when he was actively reshaping his coaching roster. “He was out [of coaching] and we didn’t have any openings on offense,” Taylor explained during a press conference. This period was marked by considerable changes on Taylor’s part, leading to a restructuring of the coaching staff.
“After the ’20 season, we didn’t have our quality control coaches on defense,” he continued. “We did not have an offensive opening, so I just wanted to get him on the staff, and Lou (Anarumo) knew him.” This connection underlined the mutual respect and understanding that exists within coaching circles, particularly among those who have shared the field.
Multiple Attempts to Secure Johnson
Taylor’s pursuit of Johnson was not a fleeting gesture; he made several attempts to bring him on board. The two had worked together previously with the Miami Dolphins from 2012 to 2015, fostering a professional rapport that Taylor valued. Johnson had taken a hiatus from football before the 2019 season but was eventually hired by Matt Patricia as an offensive quality control coach.
Considering the timeline, it’s reasonable to speculate that Taylor’s efforts to acquire Johnson occurred shortly after he stepped into the Bengals’ head coaching role in 2019. His admiration for Johnson was palpable. “He’s just that guy,” Taylor remarked. “If you’re around him, really smart. He built all these programs for us that we still use to draw pictures and how we house everything.”
A Versatile Coach with Unique Insights
Taylor’s respect for Johnson extends beyond mere familiarity. He highlighted Johnson’s versatility and intelligence, noting that his expertise translates seamlessly across both offensive and defensive domains. “He’s smart enough to understand offensive ball, to go help the defense,” Taylor stated. “You don’t always want to have guys do that, but Ben could have done it, and we would have eventually got him on offense when it made sense.”
Following Taylor’s attempts, Johnson’s career trajectory continued to rise. He served as the tight ends coach for the Detroit Lions under Dan Campbell, another former colleague from their Miami days. His impressive performance led to a promotion to offensive coordinator, where his influence blossomed.
Current Success in Chicago
Now, as the head coach of the Bears, Johnson is enjoying a remarkable season, leading his team to a 9-3 record and positioning them as the No. 1 seed in the NFC entering Week 14. Taylor’s early recognition of Johnson’s potential as a coach underscores the intricate network of relationships and insights that define the coaching landscape in the NFL.
Taylor’s pursuit of Johnson may not have yielded the immediate results he hoped for in Cincinnati, but it certainly highlights the importance of vision and connection in cultivating a successful coaching staff.
