Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson Details the Dan Campbell Advice Behind His Coaching Staff's Early Impact 1
Many already consider the Chicago Bears’ head coach Ben Johnson an early favorite in the Coach of the Year conversation. His magic has been undeniable in guiding the team to a 3-1 start.
There are already widespread expectations in some quarters that the team could pose an even greater threat to opposing sides this season once their offense is more whole. Johnson has opened up on his decent run so far, while highlighting one major lesson he learned from Detroit Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell.
What Dan Campbell Told Ben Johnson Ahead of New Coaching Role
Aug 28, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (11) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Aug 28, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (11) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Johnson led Chicago to a 3-1 start, registering three wins from three different quarterbacks in a remarkable start to the season. Chances are that part of those exploits is connected to a vital lesson Campbell taught the new gaffer ahead of the season. Josh Chambers, Director of Process at Maryland Men’s Basketball, shares the lesson in question.
“Yeah. Well, I mean, there’s a few ways that you can do it. Um, you know, the one thing that I learned from Dan Campbell, and he always said this to me, was a head coach is only as good as his staff. And so that was really important that that I nailed these hires, you know, especially year one.
“Um, and so we did our due diligence on everybody. Um, you know, Dennis Allen’s been incredible for me, not just from a defensive perspective, but just all in all the experience he has as a former head coach has been overwhelming…
“Um, you know, Richard Hightower has done a phenomenal job with our special teams unit. Um, I can go on and on and on, but we have a really good mix of youth, experience, ideas, guys that are excellent on the grass that bring energy.”
Ben Johnson reveals the lesson Dan Campbell gave him about becoming a head coach, and it changed how he built the Bears
“Yeah. Well, I mean, there’s a few ways that you can do it. Um, you know, the one thing that I learned from Dan Campbell, and he always said this to me, was a… pic.twitter.com/uS0T8Y14Pe
— Josh Chambers (@JoshChambers) October 6, 2026
Johnson was able to create an explosive offense on multiple grounds. Those abilities show that the Bears can oust many foes in multiple ways, even if it means grinding out games when the points aren’t coming easily.
They have the numbers to support their dominant statistics. Chicago scored 59 points in Week 1. Over the last three games combined, the Bears have put up 53 points, which is less than that season-opening total. Yet, they keep finding ways to win, demonstrating the doggedness that is the mark of a well-coached team.
Johnson found a way to help the Bears win without quarterback Caleb Williams on the field, raising admiration for the system he built within a short time. Tyson Bagent has a similar but more recent story as the latest quarterback to record a win for Chicago in Week 4. Johnson’s ability to run the football and adjust his plan to whoever is under center has been tremendously impressive.
Johnson boasts an ability to work in such a critical situation across the board. Even if he doesn’t win league awards at the end of the season, the gaffer might well be on his way to registering a commendable season with the Bears should things continue as-is.