As the Chicago Bears kick off the process with new head coach Ben Johnson coming to town, things are going to look vastly different for this team, beyond the offense.
During the head coaching search, multiple players stressed the importance of finding a coach who can hold the team accountable in a genuine manner.
And having a bright offensive mind to get that side of the ball back on track was probably second on the wishlist. Luckily, the Bears found someone who checks both those boxes in Ben Johnson.
Johnson is still in the first stages of creating the new culture in Chicago, but you can tell accountability with the players is going to be a major emphasis based on the coaching staff he put together.
The Bears have an incredible staff under Johnson consisting of former head coaches, coordinators, and successful NFL players who understand what it takes to be great and the steps that need to be taken to reach that point.
One of the biggest gripes on offense in 2024 was the effort and body language of some of the play-makers, which in turn had a major effect on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
As a whole, the unit also had issues developing their connection with Williams throughout the season, something Johnson isn’t going to let slide in 2025.
“Listen, in the National Football League, these guys better be working together when we’re not in session,” Johnson said via the Waddle & Silvy Show at the combine. “They better be, or they’re going to fall behind.”
The offseason program starts for teams with new coaches on April 7th, two weeks before the rest of the league. That will be the first opportunity for Johnson to work with his new players and begin constructing his new offense.
But, it’s clear he’s expecting the pass catchers to be working with Williams well before that offseason program kicks off, even if they have to travel to California to do so.
The main players Johnson is referring to is wide receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze and tight end Cole Kmet, the team’s top three offensive weapons.
Last season, a lot of fans had issues with Moore’s effort and body language especially, despite the top weapon totaling 1,041 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns. As good as he is on the field, those things need to be addressed and Johnson is already making note of some of those issues he saw on tape.
“DJ Moore is one of the best run after catch receivers in the NFL and I don’t know that the rest of the league knows that,” Johnson added. “We just got to find a way to get him the ball a certain number of times every game. Of course, he knows, he better be blocking. No block, no rock…
“That’s why [wide receivers coach] Antwaan Randle-El is here. We’ll get that part done.”
Randle-El is absolutely one of the best hires on the offensive staff. Seeing this guy coach and hold his players accountable on the sidelines in Detroit was remarkable. Most notably how he handled working with Jameson Williams.
“He’s going to make this team. He’s going to make that receiver room better,” Johnson noted at the combine. “He’s going to leave it better than when he found it. I know that for certain.”
It’s clear Johnson and Randle-El aren’t going to let some of those issues from 2024 on offense continue in the WR room and they’re making sure their players will be on the same page right out of the gate going into 2025.
