Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson took to the podium during the Bears rookie mini-camp this week where he answered many questions on the new draft picks and undrafted rookies, but one answer in particular stood out. When asked on the expectations for a player like Malik Muhammad, Johnson instead chose to answer the question not about any particular player, but rather to speak on the culture they expect the rookies to follow.
This speaks volumes about Ben Johnson and his etiquette in the the locker rooms and prep. The culture shift that Johnson has been able to achieve in just over a year as the head coach of the Bears is something certainly formidable.
Ben Johnson is changing the standard inside Halas Hall
“The expectation for them is to, once again, learn our way of doing things, how we go about our business in the meeting room, walk through practice field, what that looks like. And as soon as they pick that up, then they'll really be able to compete for what is their niche this year... learning our way of life is first and foremost.”
Johnson is a professional, and he clearly expects his players to exemplify similar attributes. It's not about just learning the playbook, or the offensive or defensive scheme, it's about understanding the culture surrounding the team. It's about understanding the daily habits and standards that go into a winning and functioning team.
Johnson chose his words carefully there. "Way of life" is language that one uses when speaking about a group mindset can become organized. It shows that the Bears are doing everything they can to create consistency throughout the building, from the front office employees all the way to undrafted rookies.
This philosophy being applied to the rookie mini-camp also applies to the training camp awaiting these new players in the summer. Especially when it comes time for competition to really rise and for roster cuts to be around the corner. Johnson is trying to show that these good habits can define your opportunities, not necessarily your physical skill. A strong organization has a strong winning culture, and that starts with sustainable standards across the board.
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