New Chicago Bears Ben Johnson hasn't met a microphone he doesn't like during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
That, in itself, is a departure from Bears coaches of the recent past. Lovie Smith was generally a soft-spoken man who played his cards close to his vest. Marc Trestman had interesting ideas but couldn't communicate them. John Fox was checked out. Matt Nagy was willing to talk to the press but seemed to believe no one could understand his offensive genius.
Johnson, however, is speaking about his vision for the team, on both sides of the ball, with a clarity that's refreshing. He's not using too much coach-speak, he seems to see what all fans and media see, and he's been open about details and plans for how things will work between games during the offseason. He doesn't seem worried that he'll give away state secrets.
The thing is, though, that Johnson is in the honeymoon phase. All new coaches get this - every one of them gets the benefit of the doubt. And because he was the hot candidate, Johnson is getting even more leeway than most. But once a few losses in a row pile up, or there is some other type of adversity, things can go sour quickly.
More importantly, Johnson has to prove that he can coach all this on the field. Can he install his vision during the offseason, and during prep for each game? Can he execute it when the play clock is running down and the team is down 10 late in the fourth quarter? Can the players learn it and execute it?
Does he even have the players? The roster has holes. Quarterback Caleb Williams looks like an NFL starter, and tight end Cole Kmet has shown flashes. Running back D'Andre Swift worked with Johnson before and has also shown flashes. D.J. Moore is a solid WR. But is Rome Odunze the answer on the other side at WR?
The offensive line might have four new faces. The pass rush has been inconsistent and the linebacking corps is too anonymous. The defensive backfield is very good, but Jaquan Brisker has had concussion problems.
In other words, even if Johnson makes all the right decisions, calls all the right plays, and has a perfect vision for the Bears in all three phases, he needs to have players that are both talented and able to execute his vision.
Which is why my expectations for Johnson in year one are a tad tempered. I understand that lots of media, fans, and pundits believe the Bears should be a playoff team this year, since they already have decent talent on the roster and the draft and free agency can help them fill roster holes. NFL teams often do go from bad to good in one offseason. But given Johnson's inexperience and the fact that filling all the roster holes will take time -- I am not sure the offensive line can be rebuilt in one offseason -- I want to be careful not to get over my skis.
That's not to say this will be a rebuild year, nor will I be able to easily forgive a four or five-win season. I just will be more understanding if the Bears fall short of the playoffs or are a first-round out. I don't think a new coach, a few draft picks, and a couple of good free-agent signings will be enough to make this team into a Super Bowl contender. Not for 2025, anyway - my expectations will be higher in 2026, unless Johnson's first season is an abject disaster.
I hope I am wrong -- I hope Johnson takes the Bears farther than I'm daring to dream right now. It's too early to tell if he walks the walk, but he definitely talks the talk.