Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson lost patience during team OTAs after a reporter's phone rang twice and interrupted his press conference update to the media at Halas Hall on Wednesday
00:22 ET, 04 Jun 2026Updated 00:23 ET, 04 Jun 2026
Head coach Ben Johnson hands a ringing phone to a media member
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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson was annoyed over a ringing phone that interrupted his team's press conference
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson's patience ran out for all to see on Wednesday during a team press conference when he finally had enough of an iPhone that wouldn't stop ringing while he tried to speak.
The Bears' head coach was addressing reporters at Halas Hall during Organized Team Activities when a reporter's iPhone that was left on the podium repeatedly interrupted the session.
Johnson already spent several minutes discussing ongoing roster evaluations, working another year with quarterback Caleb Williams, and the team's offensive line development to protect its 2024 No. 1 overall pick. It comes as the Bears could relocate from Soldier Field for the first time since 1971 during Johnson's tenure.
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The interruptions came during a period of questions about Johnson's growth entering his second season as Chicago's head coach. After one ring briefly disrupted the conversation and was ignored, another followed that prompted Johnson to stop what he was saying and address the room directly.
"Somebody wanted to take their phone so I'm not interrupted again. Thanks," he said before continuing. Johnson mostly maintained a relaxed tone for the rest of his availability.
Johnson discussed left tackle Braxton Jones' recovery, provided updates on Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, and spent considerable time talking about Williams.
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He praised the quarterback’s development but rejected the idea that Williams should already be considered among the NFL’s elite. Johnson and Williams had heated sideline exchanges last season that were initially viewed as controversial but later came to be seen as moments that helped forge a strong relationship between the two.
"I think he proved last year that if the game's close at the end, he's going to go all out and become Superman at times to make some critical plays," Johnson said.
"The accuracy continues to improve, the ball placement, the understanding of the offense," he continued. The orchestration of everything from the huddle to the snaps, the shifts, the cadence, and all that."
Caleb Williams speaks to head coach Ben Johnson during a team practice
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Ben Johnson made the NFL playoffs during his first year as head coach in Chicago
The expectations for the Bears continue to grow following last year's 11-6 record under Johnson's first season with the franchise. Chicago finished last in the NFC North for three consecutive seasons under Matt Eberflus before Johnson's arrival.
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Chicago made the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and defeated the rival Green Bay Packers in a heated Wild Card matchup that saw a fight break out at the 50-yard line.
The duo of Johnson and Williams is responsible for three wins including the 18-point comeback victory. The Bears-Packers rivalry has now been played 213 times with three postseason matchups.