The Chicago Bears' offseason was headlined by the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson. Johnson brought in a new regime, which includes offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, assistant head coach/wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El, and running back coach Eric Bieniemy, among others. So far, the early returns from the coaching staff in training camp seem positive.
That said, Chicago did retain a few coaches from last season, including special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. Hightower has been with the Bears the past three seasons, so he has seen the dysfunction. Thus, when he spoke about how Johnson is leading the team on Monday, fans should take note.
According to CHGO Bears, Hightower said, "I can tell you, we got a damn good head coach here. You guys just watch". If what Johnson has shown hasn't already excited Bears fans, Hightower's comments should.
Richard Hightower underlines that he has been around a lot of great head coaches. Ben Johnson has him very excited:
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) August 4, 2025
"I can tell you, we got a damn good head coach here. You guys just watch."
Bears ST Coordinator Richard Hightower Praises Ben Johnson
Hightower's praise of Johnson could only be matched by two other coaches on this staff, Allen and Bieniemy. The 44-year-old coach has been around winning coaches before. From 2010 to 2013, Hightower coached under Mike Shanahan with the Washington franchise.
Before arriving in Washington, Shanahan won two Super Bowls as the head coach of the Denver Broncos. Following his tenure with Mike, Hightower was a part of his so Kyle Shanahan's staff from 2017 to 2021. Though Kyle has yet to win a Super Bowl, the 49ers did reach one while Hightower was there. Suffice to say, the 44-year-old has been around winning coaches.
Like Hightower, Bieniemy and Allen have been around Super Bowl-winning coaches and even won the big game. Allen coached with Sean Payton from 2015 to 2021. Whereas Bieniemy was part of multiple Super Bowl victories with Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs.
That experience shows in Hightower's response to the inevitable bumps that come with installing a completely new offense. While some practices have featured sloppy moments on offense, Hightower remains confident in the direction Johnson has for the team.
The effect Johnson has had so far in Chicago can already have been seen without Hightower's comments. Hearing a coach and players take responsibility when a practice doesn't go well hasn't been customary in Chicago the past few seasons. That's exactly what has happened throughout the first few weeks of training camp, though.
The team's self-accountability alongside Hightower's comments should get Bears fans excited for the heights Johnson could take the team to. Still, Bears fans need to be patient at the start of the season because cohesion takes time.