Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears.
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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is giving his real thoughts on Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions, plus their new offensive coordinator.
Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears are in the midst of the offseason, but on Monday, February 23, head coach Ben Johnson took a break from behind-the-scenes prepping to talk to reporters about the team.
The Chicago Bears closed out the 2025-26 season with a strong record of 11-6, which secured them the top spot in the NFC North and a trip to the postseason. Unfortunately, the team fell to the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs, with a close 20-17 loss, but that shouldn’t take away from their successful season.
“Our guys fought the entire way, just like they have all season long. I thought this was very much like our team has been, and you’ve got to give the Rams credit,” Johnson said after the team’s loss to the Rams. “They ended up making a couple more plays than we did. That’s why it ended up going into overtime and they ended up coming out on top. Like I said, disappointing result. Our guys are feeling it right now.”
So, the Chicago Bear are heading into a new season, and while a lot of things will change, one thing won’t: They still have a heated rivalry with Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions.
Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson Still Have a Heated Rivalry, and So Do the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears
Speaking to reporters on Monday, February 23, Johnson opened up about his thoughts on the Detroit Lions’ new offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing. In his comments, Johnson made it clear that he still sees the Lions as a contender, even after their less-than-stellar season.
“I fully expect that offense to be clicking at a high level next year,” Johnson said, according to NBC News’ Michael David Smith. “It wouldn’t surprise me one bit, and I think there’s a reason why Dan, from what I could gather, cast a wide net for the offensive coordinator job and Drew hit the right notes in terms of what he was looking for.”
Johnson added, “That doesn’t surprise me. I could see this being a great fit knowing Dan and knowing Drew both. I think it’s probably a match made in heaven.”
So, does Johnson really think Petzing will bring what’s needed to Detroit to turn the team around? That’s not clear, but at least publicly, he wanted to paint a positive picture and give Campbell props for the hire.
The Detroit Lions will need all the help they can get. They fell short after Johnson left for the Bears, falling to a 9-8 record and the bottom of the NFC North.
Ben Johnson Says the Chicago Bears ‘All Believed’ During the 2025-26 Season
Regarding his own team, Johnson said after the Rams loss that they “all believed,” adding that, “they all believed all year long that we could find a way to win each and every week. So, it’s disappointing like that. But I am proud of the group.”
He added, “It’s a special group. I said that a few weeks ago. I believe that to my core, that when you’re with a group of men for the last time in the locker room and you know it’s just not going to be the same going forward that — I appreciate all of them, the men and the women, coaches, players, support staff, everybody that had a role this season.”
The NFL’s next big event is the NFL draft is set for April 24 through 26.