Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has completely changed the way the franchise looks and is making a difference in the NFL.
FOX Sports commentator Colin Cowherd has been a huge advocate for Johnson all offseason, singing his praises in any way he can. Cowherd on his show talked about how Johnson is part of a trend of young head coaches changing the way head coaches operate in the NFL.
"There's a formula. It is not just about X's and O's anymore. The league is empowered, the players are richer. You've gotta have a presence!"
Colin Cowherd thinks Ben Johnson is about of a new head coach movement
Cowherd brought up that Johnson is part of a trend in which NFL teams are hiring young, good-looking head coaches who look athletic and have a certain demeanor. This all stemmed from comments by Bears owner George McCaskey at the NFL owners' meeting, praising Johnson's energy for using curse words toward the Packers.
X's and O's are definitely important, but fans have seen in recent years that even a smart coach isn't necessarily head-coach material. Look at former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. He's arguably one of the smartest offensive minds in the league, but was too nice to players, so they didn't respect him as much.
Johnson is built differently. From Day 1 in offseason workouts, he was tough on players and showed he's not afraid to get in the face of his franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams. Johnson brought the toughness the Bears needed for years, and look at the results.
Because of the culture shift with the franchise, the Bears went 11-6, won the NFC North, and won a playoff game. That hasn't been accomplished in over a decade for this franchise, but Johnson did it in one year.
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Johnson is more than just a bright young NFL mind. He's a leader among men and a winner. That's the winning formula there, and Bears fans are grateful to have him.