Remember when Bears players identified accountability as one of the traits they were looking for in their next head coach after the 2024 NFL season?
Offense, defense, you name it, the players knew what they wanted in their next head coach.
Enter Ben Johnson.
Since being named the Bears’ head coach on January 21, the 38-year-old has said all the right things and has also made sure his coaches and players understand he is far more than just an offensive guru, but an intense leader who will demand each individual’s absolute best.
That intensity and accountability showed up after the 2025 NFL Draft concluded. General managers Ryan Poles and Johnson fielded questions from reporters, and the Bears’ head coach was asked what the challenge is to create an environment that keeps all the pass catchers on the team happy.
Johnson’s response gained a lot of attention.
“Listen, we talked about it the moment the players got back in the building, call it three weeks ago now, it was going to be a competitive environment,” Johnson said. “There is no depth chart right now. If you want to play, you got to earn it. You want a role, you got to go earn it. They know that. We were very straightforward and honest with them when they came into the building. I think all we did this weekend was we might have just turned up the notch a couple of dials for certain people in the building, so that's a good thing.
That's a healthy thing, that's where you bring out the best. Not only in your team but in each individual, so what I'm going to be curious to see is what guys look like when the ball is not in their hands on offense. Ok. Yeah, you're right, we have a lot of weapons, and so how are you going to run your route when you might not be No. 1 in the progression? Ok. How are you going to block for your teammate when he has the ball, because if you do those things right, then as a coaching staff, we are going to want to get you the ball a little bit more. So it all ties together, it all goes hand in hand, and that is the beauty behind it."
Ben Johnson is answering the wishes of not just Bears fans, but the Bears players.
No depth chart? Players have to compete for playing time? The dial is being turned up a notch for specific players? That’s exactly what fans and players should want to hear, especially with how last season ended.
When I posted Johnson’s comment on X, it got a lot of attention, and the most common player people felt his answer was directed to was DJ Moore. There were instances last season when Moore’s effort was questionable and it was highlighted by former NFL quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan, who runs the The QB School YouTube channel.
Like every player, I’m sure Moore would like to have some plays back. He also signed a four-year, $110 million contract extension last July, so he should be setting the standard in the wide receiver room. And for the most part, he has done that and also has been a reliable, dependable, and consistent teammate. So, although people are entitled to their opinions, Moore shouldn’t have an issue with Johnson’s answer.
When Johnson gave his introductory press conference in January, Moore, along with Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams, were in attendance to see their new head coach speak. That shows the buy-in from some of the leaders on this Bears team.
And, quite honestly, all these players need to show that commitment because, outside of Joe Thuney, this Bears offense hasn’t experienced much winning. Moore has never been to the playoffs. Kmet has a 29-55 record since joining the Bears in 2020. Williams and Odunze have mentioned that their rookie season was the most losing they have ever experienced.
Johnson has expressed that he wants “the same things to look different and different things look the same.” The only way to achieve that is if all 11 players give maximum effort, regardless if they’re first in a progression or blocking for a teammate.
The Bears players wanted accountability, and based on everything Johnson has said so far, it appears the head coach will give the players exactly what they desire.