Ben Johnson Already Turning Up the Heat on Bears Players as He Takes Over
By Cem Yolbulan
The Chicago Bears finally have their head coach. Immediately after the Detroit Lions' postseason exit, the Bears announced the hiring of Ben Johnson as the franchise's new head coach. Johnson didn't waste any time heading to Chicago and holding his first press conference.
There were plenty of important nuggets in Johnson's first presser as a head coach. One of the most notable parts of his remarks was when he addressed the Bears players. Saying that he is going to "push and challenge" them, the first-time head coach told them that they need to be "comfortable being uncomfortable", per Bears insider Kevin Fishbain.
Bears HC Ben Johnson Already Pushing His Players in First Presser
Johnson to the players: "Get comfortable being uncomfortable. The bar has been set higher than it's ever been set before. The only way for this team, and for you as players, to reach your potential is to be pushed and challenged. That's exactly what I and my staff plan on doing."
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) January 22, 2025
This is the exact type of message the new head coach had to send to the team. The Bears were a disaster in 2024 and finished the season as one of the most disappointing teams in the league. Their ten-game losing streak was utterly embarrassing as the players looked to have no fire in their bellies.
Johnson is seemingly bringing the kind of mentality and attitude that drove the Lions to success over the last couple of years. Head coach Dan Campbell is known to be a player's coach, constantly pushing and motivating them for success.
In his three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Lions, Johnson left no doubt about his playcalling bona fides. He is arguably the best offensive mind in the league right now. The only concerns were regarding his player management and communication skills.
The early returns on his first press conference in Chicago are positive. If he can get the players' buy-in, the Bears will undoubtedly take a significant step forward next season.
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