5 Surprising Facts About Jessica Johnson, The Wife Of Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson

The spotlight on the Chicago Bears’ new Head Coach, Ben Johnson, is intense, but behind every successful coach is a strong support system, and for Johnson, that foundation is his wife, Jessica Johnson. As of December 17, 2025, the Johnson family is settling into their new life in the Windy City, marking the beginning of a high-profile chapter in Ben’s career after his tenure with the Detroit Lions. Jessica, a steady and private presence throughout his rapid rise in the NFL coaching ranks, is the anchor for their family of five, managing the complexities of life in professional football.

The transition to a head coaching role is monumental, requiring immense sacrifice and dedication not just from the coach, but from his entire family. Jessica Johnson has been a constant by Ben's side since their high school days, navigating the moves from Boston to Miami, Detroit, and now Chicago, all while raising their three young children. Her story is one of unwavering support, shared history, and a surprising connection to a well-known country music celebrity, making her a figure of quiet strength in the demanding world of the National Football League.

Jessica Johnson: Biography & Family Profile

Jessica Johnson is the supportive wife of Ben Johnson, the Head Coach of the Chicago Bears. Her life is deeply rooted in the same North Carolina community as her husband, forming a lifelong bond that has withstood the pressures of an itinerant NFL coaching career.

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• Full Name: Jessica Johnson (née Fleming)
• Spouse: Benjamin David "Ben" Johnson (American Football Coach)
• Current Role: Chicago Bears Head Coach (since 2025)
• Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina
• High School: A.C. Reynolds High School (Asheville, NC)
• College: North Carolina State University (NC State)
• Children: Three—Emory (daughter), Kennedy (daughter), and Halle (daughter)
• Marital Status: Married (since 2014)
• Previous City: Detroit, Michigan (during Ben’s time with the Lions)

1. They Are Genuine High School Sweethearts From North Carolina

The foundation of Ben and Jessica Johnson’s relationship is a long-standing, deep connection that began decades ago in their shared hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. Unlike many high-profile couples who meet later in life, the Johnsons are true high school sweethearts. Both attended A.C. Reynolds High School, a key entity in their shared history. This lengthy history provides a unique stability, as Jessica has been present for every major step of Ben’s professional journey, from his college playing days to his rise through the coaching ranks.

Their bond was solidified when they married in 2014, a time when Ben was already immersed in his NFL coaching career. This early commitment meant Jessica was fully aware of the demanding, often unpredictable nature of a football coach’s life, preparing her for the constant changes and relocations that would follow.

2. Jessica Johnson Once Dated Country Star Chase Rice

One of the most surprising and widely discussed aspects of Jessica’s past is her connection to country music star Chase Rice. Rice, who is also from Asheville, North Carolina, and attended A.C. Reynolds High School, once dated Jessica during their middle school years. This unexpected twist in the Johnson family’s love story has garnered attention, adding an element of small-town celebrity history to their profile.

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The connection remains friendly, with Rice having publicly acknowledged the relationship and even jokingly referring to Ben Johnson as the "best coach in the league" while referencing the middle school memory. This detail highlights the close-knit nature of the Asheville community where both Ben and Jessica grew up, an important geographical entity in their personal narrative.

3. She Has Been The Constant Through Ben’s Entire NFL Climb

Ben Johnson's coaching trajectory has been marked by rapid ascension and unconventional choices, and Jessica has been his steady companion through it all. After graduating from the University of North Carolina (UNC), Ben immediately jumped into coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at Boston College in 2009. In 2012, he made the significant leap directly to the NFL, joining the Miami Dolphins without ever having played professionally.

This early, unconventional move required immense faith and flexibility from Jessica. She supported him through various roles with the Dolphins, including Offensive Assistant and Assistant Quarterbacks Coach, before their move to Detroit to join the Lions in 2019. During his time as the Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator, Ben’s profile exploded, making him one of the most sought-after head coaching candidates in the league. Jessica’s role was crucial in maintaining a stable home life for their three children—Emory, Kennedy, and Halle—amidst the chaos of the NFL schedule and the constant pressure of Ben’s career.

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4. The Family of Five Is Now Settling Into The Chicago Bears’ World

The move to the Chicago Bears marks the most significant career change yet, bringing the Johnson family to a major metropolitan area and placing them in the center of one of the NFL's most storied franchises. The family of five is now relocating to the "Windy City," trading their life in Michigan for a new start in Illinois.

Ben Johnson has openly discussed the challenge of balancing his demanding professional life with his role as a father, acknowledging that the move is a sacrifice for his family. Jessica takes on the primary role of navigating this transition, helping their three young daughters adjust to a new home, new schools, and a new community, all while Ben is dedicated to his responsibilities at Halas Hall, the Bears' headquarters.

5. Jessica Graduated From A Major Rival University To Ben’s Alma Mater

While their roots are intertwined in Asheville, the Johnsons’ college allegiances present a friendly rivalry. Ben Johnson played quarterback for the North Carolina Tar Heels at the University of North Carolina (UNC). Meanwhile, Jessica attended North Carolina State University (NC State), a major rival of UNC in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Jessica’s degree from NC State further establishes her own background and independence, proving she is more than just a "coach's wife." This detail adds a lighthearted, competitive element to their relationship, a common dynamic among couples who grew up in the passionate college sports landscape of North Carolina.