Ben Johnson is Building His 1st Chicago Bears Team Step by Step: Coaching Staff, Roster, Offense, and Culture
In the world of NFL coaching, the transition from assistant to head coach is never a straightforward path. For Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions and now rumored candidate for the Chicago Bears head coach position, the task of leading an NFL team is a monumental one. However, with a wealth of experience and an exceptional offensive mind, Johnson has already proven himself capable of constructing a team built to compete at the highest level.
As he takes on the responsibility of molding his first Chicago Bears team, it’s clear that Johnson’s philosophy is focused on creating a long-term vision. His approach spans across key areas such as coaching staff, roster construction, offensive identity, and, crucially, the establishment of a winning culture.
The Foundation: Coaching Staff
A team is only as strong as the people leading it, and Johnson’s vision for the Bears starts with the right coaching staff. When selecting a coaching staff, especially in his first head coaching position, the key lies in balancing experience, innovation, and the ability to build strong relationships with players.
For Johnson, the offensive side of the ball will likely be his primary focus, given his background with the Lions. He’s been instrumental in designing one of the most dynamic offenses in recent seasons, and bringing that expertise to the Bears will be crucial. At the same time, Johnson must surround himself with a defensive coordinator who understands the importance of building a tough, resilient defense—a critical piece for any team in the NFC North.
One of the first steps in the hiring process for Johnson will be securing a defensive coordinator who aligns with his overall vision. The Bears’ defense, while talented, has struggled in recent years. By adding a defensive coordinator who emphasizes discipline, game awareness, and the ability to execute under pressure, Johnson can help strengthen one of the Bears’ most storied units.
From the offensive perspective, Johnson will likely seek assistants who are adept at developing quarterbacks. As the Bears look to their future at the quarterback position, ensuring that Johnson’s vision is shared with his staff is essential. Building out a strong quarterback development team will be especially critical if the Bears’ current quarterback, Justin Fields, is the cornerstone of the franchise moving forward. With Fields’ unique skill set, Johnson will need coaches who understand how to harness his athleticism while also refining his passing game.
In addition to the key coordinators, Johnson will need to hire a staff of position coaches who excel at player development. The Bears’ roster features a number of young, talented players, and helping these players reach their potential is paramount. If Johnson’s staff can bring out the best in Chicago’s current roster, it will set a solid foundation for long-term success.
Building the Roster: Shaping the Future
Roster construction is an area where a head coach has significant influence, especially in the early stages of a rebuild. Johnson’s Bears roster will likely undergo significant changes over the next few seasons, but his priority will be building a team with a strong identity, both on offense and defense.
Quarterback: The Central Piece
The most important question for Johnson as he starts building the Bears roster is who will be his quarterback. With Justin Fields still relatively young and immensely talented, Johnson must decide how best to develop him. Fields has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced challenges with consistency, particularly in his passing accuracy and decision-making.
Johnson, known for his work with quarterbacks like Jared Goff in Detroit, will have the opportunity to work closely with Fields to refine his mechanics, elevate his football IQ, and take the next step as an NFL quarterback. If Johnson can unlock Fields’ potential as a pocket passer, the Bears could have one of the most dynamic young quarterbacks in the league.
Alternatively, if Johnson feels that Fields is not the right fit for his offensive system, he will need to explore options via the draft or free agency to find a quarterback who can be the face of the franchise moving forward. The quarterback position is critical to building a competitive team, and Johnson’s choice will shape the future of the Bears’ offense for years to come.
Building the Offensive Line
The offensive line will also play a crucial role in Johnson’s success. The Bears have struggled with offensive line play in recent seasons, and addressing this issue will be a top priority. In order to maximize the potential of Fields (or any other quarterback), Johnson will need to ensure that the offensive line is solidified.
This means making smart moves in free agency, identifying potential young talent in the draft, and developing current players like Teven Jenkins, Cody Whitehair, and Braxton Jones. A strong offensive line can provide the protection needed for Fields to progress as a passer and open up lanes for the Bears’ running game.
Skill Position Players: Playmaking on the Outside
Another area where Johnson must work is surrounding his quarterback with playmakers. While the Bears have some promising young skill players, they’ll need to continue adding talent to the wide receiver and tight end positions to give their quarterback options and opportunities to stretch the field.
With players like Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool already in the mix, the Bears have pieces in place, but Johnson will likely look to add additional weapons, particularly at receiver. Strong, reliable receiving options will help make the offense more versatile and explosive, opening up the playbook for Johnson to attack defenses in a variety of ways.
Defensive Strategy: A Balanced Approach
On the defensive side, the Bears have had some solid pieces over the years, but they have struggled to consistently put together elite performances. With Roquan Smith in the middle and Jaquan Brisker in the secondary, Chicago has talent to work with, but Johnson must make sure that the defense becomes a more consistent unit.
Johnson will look to create a balanced team that thrives on both sides of the ball, emphasizing discipline, turnovers, and creating mismatches against opposing offenses. He’ll need to instill a defensive mindset that combines toughness, speed, and adaptability to stay competitive in the NFC North.
Offensive Philosophy: Building Around the QB
Offensively, Johnson is likely to lean into a scheme that maximizes his quarterback’s strengths, emphasizing play-action, movement in the pocket, and the ability to stretch the field vertically. Given Johnson’s background with the Detroit Lions’ high-powered offense, his philosophy will likely include a variety of spread concepts that allow the quarterback to operate with flexibility and creativity.
While Johnson may be known for his passing attack, he will also need to commit to the run game to help his quarterback and offensive line find success. A solid, versatile ground attack will keep defenses honest and open up opportunities for big plays in the passing game.
Establishing the Culture: The Foundation for Success
One of the most important aspects of Ben Johnson’s tenure with the Bears will be the culture he creates within the organization. Culture is the foundation for sustained success, and Johnson’s leadership will be paramount in shaping the Bears’ identity as a team.
Johnson will likely prioritize a culture of accountability, discipline, and resilience, setting clear expectations for his players both on and off the field. Establishing this mindset early on will be key to turning the Bears into a consistent winner. He’ll need to instill a strong work ethic, foster team unity, and develop a sense of trust and respect between the players and coaching staff.
Creating a winning culture will take time, but Johnson’s ability to do so will be critical for the future of the Bears franchise. By building a culture where players can thrive and grow, Johnson will lay the groundwork for success that goes beyond just the X’s and O’s.
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