In contrast to the era of Matt Eberflus, most Chicago Bears players seemed to enjoy having Ben Johnson as their head coach in 2025.
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Johnson came into Halas Hall as an instigator, blowing the whistle and yelling at players for screwing up during OTAs. The lead-up to the regular season was challenging, but the hard work paid off when the Bears started winning games.
Johnson had a few clips go viral of him going shirtless after wins. Players were celebrating wins on Sundays and had mostly positive things to say about the first-year head coach.
But Johnson had an issue with two key starters on defense.
During the league’s annual meeting in Phoenix on Monday, Johnson told reporters that he had a hard time forming relationships with cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon last season because they missed numerous games with injuries.
Johnson hopes to start over with Gordon and Johnson in OTAs.
“Johnson noted how ;challenging; it was to form relationships with Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon last year given how both missed significant time with injuries. ‘We’re starting over completely this spring’ with their relationships so he has a better chance to get to know these player,” Cronin posted on X.
Some takeaways from Ben Johnson's 30-minute session at the NFC coaches breakfast
-Said he found out about Drew Dalman's decision to retire in mid-February. Team quickly pivoted to Garrett Bradbury, who they believe "will fit us like a glove"
-Johnson on left tackle: "There's a…— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) March 30, 2026
The Chicago Bears need their secondary healthy
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Johnson appeared in seven games and started six games in 2025 while battling a core muscle injury. He did play for the Bears in both postseason games.
Gordon signed a three-year, $40 million extension in 2025. He appeared in three games during the regular season and started in one game amid groin and calf injuries. He appeared in both playoff games.
Gordon and Johnson, who have received contract extensions from general manager Ryan Poles, are expected to be leaders on the defense. It’s clear that Johnson wants those two players to stay healthy this offseason so they can contribute in 2026.
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The Chicago Bears can still sign this free agent to help the team
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