Get to Know Jessica Johnson, Wife of Bears Coach Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson; Ben Johnson’s wife and child.
Credit:

Kevin Sabitus/Getty; Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Ben Johnson has served as the head coach of the Chicago Bears since 2025, married to Jessica Johnson.
• The couple, who met in high school in North Carolina, married in 2014.
• Jessica and their three children have consistently supported Ben through various career changes, including their move to Chicago in early 2025.

Ben Johnson has enjoyed steadfast support from his wife, Jessica Johnson (née Fleming), throughout his football career. The head coach of the Chicago Bears, currently in pursuit of a playoff spot, credits Jessica as a significant pillar during their journey together.

The couple’s roots extend back to high school in Asheville, North Carolina, where they first connected. After completing their education at different universities, they married in 2014 and have since welcomed three children: Emory, Kennedy, and Halle. Their commitment to family remains strong, with Jessica moving alongside Ben during his transition from Detroit to Chicago when he took up the coaching role in January 2025.

Ben and Jessica’s High School Romance

Ben Johnson.

Scott Taetsch/Getty

Both Ben and Jessica attended A.C. Reynolds High School. While Ben walked on to the University of North Carolina’s football team and studied mathematics and computer science, Jessica chose North Carolina State University for her education.

Ben holds a special connection to his high school, honoring his past by instilling a motivational motto from his coach into the Bears’ locker room: “Good, better, best / Never let it rest / Till your good gets better / And your better gets best.” This phrase has resonated with his team and is chanted after victories.

Jessica’s Brief Encounter with Chase Rice

Chase Rice with Jessica Johnson and family.

Chase Rice/X

Despite their longstanding relationship, Jessica once had a brief “date” with country singer Chase Rice, who humorously remarked that Ben “stole” her from him. Rice has maintained a friendly rapport with both Ben and Jessica, visiting the Johnson family in Detroit during Ben’s tenure with the Lions.

Ben and Chase, who played on the same high school football team, have remained close over the years, even attending Chase’s performances, including a concert in Chicago in summer 2025.

Family Life in Chicago

Ben Johnson’s wife Jessica and their children.

Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty

After tying the knot in 2014, the couple welcomed their first child, Emory, in 2017. They later expanded their family with another son and another daughter. Following Ben’s appointment as head coach of the Bears, they settled in a six-bedroom home in Lake Forest, Illinois, priced at $3.25 million.

Ben shared that some of his cherished moments involve exploring Chicago with his family, and he aims to apply the lessons he learned from his upbringing in his parenting style. He expressed a desire to instill values while showing unconditional love to his children.

Ben’s father, Don Johnson, reflected on the joy of watching his son raise a family of his own and the role reversal that comes with being a grandfather.

Maintaining Family Connections

Amid the demands of the NFL, Ben and Jessica have prioritized their marriage. They established a pact to ensure they never go two consecutive weekends without seeing each other, a commitment they have successfully upheld this season.

Reflecting on a memorable Memorial Day weekend, Ben recalled a family outing visiting iconic landmarks such as the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and the Shedd Aquarium.

Gratitude for Support

Ben Johnson.

Kevin Sabitus/Getty

During his introductory press conference as head coach on January 22, 2025, Ben expressed heartfelt gratitude for his family’s unwavering support as he embarked on this new chapter. He noted their significant role in his journey and looked forward to raising his children in the vibrant city of Chicago.

Ben acknowledged the emotional challenges of relocating from Detroit but expressed appreciation for Jessica’s trust in his decisions. Jessica has fully embraced her role within the Bears community, attending events like the Bear Wives Luncheon.

Reflecting on her experience, she stated, “It’s such an honor to be presented with a patch that has so much history. To give all the women here today a different glimpse into where it all started, the memories, the hard work, and the history of this franchise is special.”