Monthly Archives: January 2025

NFL

Bears to Hire Johnson

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One of the hottest names in recent coaching cycle history, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, is finalizing a deal to become the 19th head coach of the Chicago Bears.

Johnson, 38, began his NFL coaching career in 2012 as an offensive assistant with the Miami Dolphins. He climbed the Miami coaching ladder, eventually becoming their wide receivers coach in 2018. Johnson joined Detroit in 2019 where he started as a quality control coach before becoming their offensive coordinator in 2022.

Under Johnson’s tutelage, former number one overall pick Jared Goff led the Lions offensive to multiple top five finishes in total offense including the number one spot in 2024. Now he takes over a team led by another former number one overall pick in Caleb Williams.

The addition of Williams, along with wideouts Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, to an offense that already had a number one option in wide receiver D.J. Moore gave Bears fans hope that they’d escape the dismal performances they’d grown accustomed to. However, Williams didn’t develop as quickly as the team hoped. That, paired with multiple offensive coordinators and head coaches, along with below average offensive line play led the Bears to another disappointing season.

Now enter Johnson, a former walk on quarterback at North Carolina. Though his offense in Detroit featured star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and other stud pass catchers, the roots of the Detroit offense were heavily entrenched in its top tier offensive line, grit, and a two headed monster at running back.

While the open air stadium Bears offense played like a finesse dome team, the dome dwelling Lions were built like a blue collar three yards and a cloud of dust team that loves to punch you in the mouth. Given their struggles and lack of identity, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Johnson carry that identity to the Windy City.

Johnson’s work with Goff, his offensive ingenuity, and the type of offense he ran in Detroit make this a home run hire for Chicago and will allow Williams to develop into the type of player the Bears thought they’d get when they took him at number one in last years draft.

With promising players on defense, weapons outside, and Williams at quarterback, a rebuilt offensive line could have the Bears trending upward quickly in an extremely competitive NFC North.

CFP

CFP National Championship Quick Preview

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The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship is set to feature a historic showdown between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This highly anticipated matchup will take place on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the culmination of the first 12-team College Football Playoff.

Game Details:

• Date: Monday, January 20, 2025

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

• Broadcast: ESPN

Team Profiles:

Ohio State Buckeyes:

• Record: 13–2

• Head Coach: Ryan Day

• CFP Seed: No. 8

• Path to Championship:

• Defeated Tennessee in the first round

• Overcame Oregon in the quarterfinals

• Triumphed over Texas in the semifinals

The Buckeyes are making their first national championship appearance since the 2020 season and are seeking their first title since 2014. Under Coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has showcased a potent offense and a resilient defense throughout the season.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish:

• Record: 14–1

• Head Coach: Marcus Freeman

• CFP Seed: No. 7

• Path to Championship:

• Defeated Indiana in the first round

• Beat Georgia in the quarterfinals

• Prevailed over Penn State in the semifinals

The Fighting Irish are making their first national championship game appearance since the 2013 BCS National Championship Game. Coach Marcus Freeman has led Notre Dame to an impressive season, with the team aiming for its first national title since 1988.

Key Matchups to Watch:

• Quarterback Battle:

• Ohio State: Will Howard has been instrumental in leading the Buckeyes’ offense, demonstrating poise and precision in high-pressure situations.

• Notre Dame: Riley Leonard has showcased exceptional dual-threat capabilities, posing challenges for opposing defenses with both his arm and legs.

• Defensive Fronts:

• Both teams boast formidable defensive lines known for applying relentless pressure on quarterbacks. The battle in the trenches will be crucial in determining the game’s outcome.

• Coaching Strategies:

• Ryan Day’s offensive ingenuity versus Marcus Freeman’s defensive acumen presents an intriguing chess match that could dictate the flow of the game.

Betting Odds:

• Spread: Ohio State favored by 8.5 points

• Over/Under: 45.5 points (FD)

• Moneyline:

• Ohio State: -400 (FD)

• Notre Dame: +310 (FD)

Odds are subject to change; please consult official betting sources for the latest information. 

Historical Context:

This championship game marks the ninth meeting between Ohio State and Notre Dame. The Buckeyes have dominated the series with six consecutive victories, including a 17–14 win in their last encounter in 2023. 

Additional Storylines:

• Coaching Speculations: Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, has attracted interest from the NFL, with reports indicating that the Chicago Bears are considering him for their head coaching position. This development adds an extra layer of intrigue as Freeman prepares his team for the national championship. 

• Political Intersection: Vice President-elect JD Vance, an Ohio State alumnus, humorously remarked about the scheduling conflict between the presidential inauguration and the national championship game, both set for January 20. Vance’s allegiance to the Buckeyes adds a unique twist to the day’s events. 

Conclusion:

The 2025 CFP National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame promises to be a thrilling contest, featuring storied programs with rich histories and passionate fan bases. As both teams vie for college football supremacy, fans can anticipate a game filled with strategic depth, standout performances, and memorable moments.