Reading between the lines of a head coach’s press conference answers is not an exact science. But when someone who covered Ben Johnson last year at this same point in the offseason says his entire tone has changed, it is worth noting.
John Frascella, who tracks the NFL closely for multiple outlets, pointed out on Tuesday that Johnson sounds like a different coach than he did entering the 2025 season. “Last year, this time, you could tell he was NOT happy with what he was seeing from his Bears,” Frascella wrote. “This year? Totally different, sounding optimistic and pleased.”
The Bears HC backed that up at minicamp.
May 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson jokes with Chicago Bears first-round draft pick Dillon Thieneman before a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
“You know, you got to pay a price if you want to have success in this league,” Johnson said, per SleeperNFL on X. “I don’t think there’s any way you can cut corners and expect to win on Sundays. Our type of guys, they embrace it, they want it. So, I’m looking forward to it.”
What has changed for the Bears and why Johnson’s optimism is grounded in something real
The Bears went 8-9 in Johnson’s first season in Chicago, a step forward from the previous regime but still short of the playoffs. Caleb Williams, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, finished the year with improved mechanics and better decision-making in the second half of the season than the first, giving the coaching staff tangible evidence of development.
It’s interesting to listen to Ben Johnson this offseason… last year, this time, you could tell he was NOT happy with what he was seeing from his Bears… this year? Totally different, sounding optimistic and pleased… maybe Chicago will actually get off to good starts in games… https://t.co/vb2QEOOd0a
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) June 17, 2026
The roster also looks meaningfully different heading into 2026. The Bears added through free agency and the draft to address the offensive line and secondary, two areas that limited what Williams could do in Year 1.
Chicago also acquired wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s former teammate during a period when their receiving corps needed more established NFL talent alongside DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.
Johnson came from Detroit, where he built one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL over three seasons as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. His fingerprints on what the Bears are doing at the skill positions are becoming clearer. A year ago, things weren’t matching the vision. This week, they sound closer.