Ben Johnson has one pressing concern on his mind, but it’s the type of challenge most coaches would gladly accept.
After building his reputation as one of the league’s brightest offensive coordinators with the Detroit Lions, Johnson finally got his chance to run a team when the Chicago Bears hired him. Early impressions suggest he has adjusted well to overseeing the entire operation.
Of course, Johnson’s long-term success in Chicago will largely depend on quarterback Caleb Williams. Unlike Jared Goff, Williams brings a completely different style of play, which could allow Johnson to expand on what worked in Detroit while adapting his system to highlight the rookie’s unique skill set.
Johnson Explains the Issue That Keeps Him Awake at Night
When asked on Wednesday about rookies adjusting to their roles and gaining his trust as the season opener approaches, Johnson offered an interesting perspective.
“It’s not just about trusting whether a guy can handle an assignment,” Johnson explained. “It’s about making sure everyone gets their share. That’s what keeps me up at night—finding ways to feed all of our playmakers. These guys are incredibly talented. If we can get them some space and the ball in their hands, they’ll make big plays. I’ve been clear since spring practices and throughout camp: if you’re active on game day, you’ll have a role. How big it is depends on your effort in practice and the consistency you show during the week.”
Johnson has also carried over the same “no block, no rock” standard he preached in Detroit. In short, if a player isn’t willing to put in the work without the ball, they won’t see many chances with it.
Looking at the roster, the Bears arguably boast more overall skill-position talent than the Lions did. Johnson’s task is to maximize that depth and put his playmakers in situations where they can thrive—a challenge he appears ready for.
Yes, there’s only one football and plenty of players who want it, but for a first-year head coach, that’s not the worst problem to have. Even if it’s causing some sleepless nights, Johnson seems prepared to manage it as he begins his tenure in Chicago.
