Insights from Ben Johnson’s Introductory Press Conference
They finally did it… Ben Johnson is the new head coach of the Chicago Bears. After what was a dramatic and embarrassing season for the Bears, finishing 5-12, it looks like they got the coach they’ve always needed. Ben Johnson, the former offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, brings a lot of passion that, hopefully, the Bears can use to become a successful franchise. Here are some takeaways from his introductory press conference yesterday.
His Message to the Players
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” Those were the first words to come out of Ben Johnson’s mouth as he wants the Bears players to be fully on deck for what’s to come. Johnson claims that each player is going to be “pushed and challenged,” as the standards are higher than they’ve ever been before. The entire staff is going to make sure every player becomes the best version of themselves. “Our mission, starting this Spring, is to win and to win now.” There’s a lot of passion behind Johnson’s words because he knows how much the team wants to win and that’s exactly what he is there to do.
His Take on Working with Caleb Williams
Johnson started off by saying that modern NFL football is mainly quarterback-driven and that a quarterback’s success can determine wins and losses for a team. Now, regarding his relationship with Caleb Williams, he said, “This offense will be calibrated with him in mind.” It starts with Williams, and then the pieces around him come next. “I really look forward to challenging him and pushing him and continuing to grow and develop him.”
His Transition from Offensive Coordinator to Head Coach
It was very clear that Ben Johnson understands that the roles of an offensive coordinator and a head coach are completely different. He’s not just coaching offensive players, but now coaching the whole team. “The most important thing we do here is we establish the culture we want in this building in the Springtime. Accountability and integrity are going to be the cornerstones of this. The team-first mentality is going to be critical for us.” According to Johnson, there’s going to be intention behind everything he and the rest of the staff do starting this Spring.
He Chose the Bears Over All Other Teams Interested
When asked what tipped the scales in the Bears’ favor for the hiring of Johnson, he immediately said it was, “The people, point blank.” He claimed the hiring process answered all the questions he was looking for and the family atmosphere was a selling point for him as well. Then when asked about a lot of teams not having their franchise quarterback and how it feels knowing he gets to coach a team that does, he responded by saying, “Having a quarterback helps,” which caught some chuckles from the media. After an up-and-down rookie season for Caleb Williams, it looks like he got his guy to give him the blueprint to success.
