The NFL media and Chicago Bears fans couldn't stop talking about the physical practice that took place at training camp on Tuesday, which had many wondering why that didn't happen in the Matt Eberflus era as head coach.
NFL Network's Kyle Brandt, who is also a Bears fan, took time during Good Morning Football to express his excitement for having Ben Johnson as the new head coach. Brandt couldn't hold himself back from also sharing the significant differences between Johnson's practices and Eberflus' workouts.
"I was at those Matt Eberflus camps. I've been to them. He is not Ben Johnson. If you're looking for someone to set a ton, culture, aura, all those buzzwords we like, that's the kind of thing you want to see. You want to see Ben Johnson riding Caleb (Williams), who gets accused of being soft and too emotional and coddled. Not by this coach. The other thing I don't like hearing about Ben Johnson is this idea that 'well, he's kind of this like lab rat, mad scientist" who comes up with wacky fake plays and trick plays. Did you watch the Lions run the ball last year or the year before? They ran the hell out of the ball. I'm talking about north and south knocking heads, winning angry run scepters every single other week. That is that guy too. So listen, last year's Bears head coach, god bless him, he was Ned Flanders. This guy is an S.O.B."
Bears camp has been very different under new head coach Ben Johnson! @KyleBrandt explains the changes he’s seen as a life-long @ChicagoBears fan! Check out the #GMFB Podcast:https://t.co/2FEnnIWBvp pic.twitter.com/SpRm1QHWhr
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) August 6, 2025
There won't be a single Bears fan who disagrees with Brandt
Eberflus might have had some good seasons when he was the defensive coordinator, but there weren't many memorable times in Chicago. He finished 14-32 as the head coach in three seasons, but didn't even finish his final year with the team as he was fired after 12 games.
Johnson's toughness and culture overhaul have been apparent from the moment they hired him. He got right in Williams' face during offseason workouts and kicked his first team offense off the field during the first week of training camp.
Losing is no longer an option for the Bears, and Johnson is changing the mindset. This has been a franchise that has not made the postseason in four years and has needed changes throughout the organization.
Everyone knows Johnson for his work as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. They were top five in total offense and points in each of his three seasons in the job.
Read more: This Bears rookie's camp reps are starting to feel like something bigger
People might not know the tough side of him, but they do now. Not many Bears fans will argue that this is a bad thing. It's much needed and appreciated.