At NFL owners meetings, we learned eight things from Bears coach Ben Johnson.

The NFL owners’ meetings are always a significant time in the offseason, with team executives, coaches, and owners discussing the future of the league, its players, and each organization’s strategic direction. For the Chicago Bears, the recent meeting provided a valuable opportunity for their new head coach, Ben Johnson, to address the press, share his thoughts, and offer insights into his vision for the team moving forward.

In a session that captivated fans, analysts, and other league figures, Johnson revealed several key strategies and perspectives that could define the Bears’ upcoming season. Below are the eight most notable takeaways from his appearance at the NFL owners’ meetings.

1. Commitment to Justin Fields’ Development

Perhaps the most anticipated topic during Johnson’s address was his approach to developing quarterback Justin Fields. Fields, who has shown flashes of brilliance but still has plenty of room to grow, has been at the center of Chicago’s rebuilding efforts.

Johnson was emphatic about his commitment to helping Fields reach his full potential. “Justin’s got all the tools,” Johnson said. “Our job as coaches is to put him in positions to succeed, not only by making sure we have the right plays but also by ensuring he has the confidence to make them.”

Johnson outlined a plan to continue tailoring the offense to Fields’ strengths—particularly his mobility and ability to extend plays. “We’re going to make sure the offense is fluid, allowing Justin to be dynamic both in and out of the pocket,” Johnson explained. This focus on Fields’ development will likely be a hallmark of Johnson’s tenure.

2. A Shift Towards a More Aggressive Offense

Under previous head coach Matt Nagy, the Bears’ offense was often criticized for being too conservative and predictable. Johnson, however, aims to inject more aggression into the team’s playcalling. “We want to make defenses uncomfortable,” Johnson said, outlining his vision for a high-paced, unpredictable offense.

The strategy will involve more motion, creative formations, and a strong emphasis on the passing game. With weapons like Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, and rookie receiver DJ Moore, Johnson plans to expand the passing game while still maintaining a balanced attack. “We’ve got some great pieces at receiver, and I want to make sure we’re using them to stretch the field,” Johnson said.

3. Revamping the Offensive Line

One of the biggest challenges for the Bears in recent years has been their offensive line, which has struggled to provide consistent protection for both the running game and the passing game. Johnson acknowledged this and promised to prioritize improving the line.

“We can’t be successful without a solid front,” Johnson said. “We’re looking at our offensive line not just in terms of pass protection, but also in terms of creating lanes in the run game.” With the acquisition of free agent offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey and the development of young players, Johnson hopes to build a more cohesive unit that will help both Fields and the running backs thrive.

4. Incorporating a Modern NFL Approach

Johnson made it clear that he isn’t interested in clinging to outdated philosophies. Instead, he’s committed to implementing a modern, data-driven approach to coaching. “We’re embracing analytics and using that to inform our decision-making on game day,” Johnson shared.

This includes an emphasis on situational awareness, exploiting mismatches, and adjusting in real-time based on in-game data. Johnson plans to work closely with the team’s analytics department to ensure the Bears are maximizing every opportunity on the field.

5. Defensive Commitment and Complementary Football

While Johnson’s focus was mainly on the offensive side of the ball, he didn’t shy away from discussing the importance of complementary football—especially on defense. The Bears have long been known for their defensive prowess, and Johnson understands that a strong defense is key to setting up the offense for success.

“We’re going to need the defense to do their part,” Johnson explained. “They can’t just keep us in the game, they need to create turnovers and give us short fields.” With a defensive roster that includes stars like Roquan Smith and Jaquan Brisker, Johnson is confident that his offense can capitalize on the opportunities the defense creates.

6. Player Accountability and Culture Building

A major theme of Johnson’s address was building a team culture rooted in accountability and trust. Johnson expressed his desire to foster an environment where every player understands their role and takes full ownership of their performance.

“We’re here to work, and we’re here to win,” he said. “But it starts with accountability. Every player has to show up, ready to give everything they’ve got. That’s the standard we’re setting.”

This focus on culture will likely be important as Johnson looks to turn the Bears into a competitive force in the NFC North. With a revamped coaching staff and a strong emphasis on leadership, he’s hoping to instill a sense of discipline and pride across the team.

7. The Importance of Special Teams

While often overlooked in broader team discussions, Johnson emphasized the importance of special teams in his overall strategy. “Special teams can be a game-changer,” he said, noting that explosive plays on special teams could be the difference between winning and losing.

He highlighted his intention to be aggressive with special teams strategies, from fake punts to aggressive kick returns. Johnson’s plan is to use every phase of the game to the Bears’ advantage. “We’re going to make sure we’re getting the most out of every opportunity, no matter where we are on the field,” he remarked.

8. Looking Ahead to the NFL Draft and Free Agency

Lastly, Johnson provided insight into the Bears’ approach to the upcoming NFL Draft and free agency. With a plethora of draft capital and salary cap space, Chicago is in a prime position to make significant moves.

“We’ve got to continue building this team the right way,” Johnson said. “The draft and free agency are critical parts of that. We’ve got some exciting opportunities to add pieces that will help us immediately.”

He confirmed that the Bears are looking to add depth at key positions, including the defensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback. “We want to build a roster that’s deep, flexible, and capable of competing at a high level for the long term.”

The insights shared by Ben Johnson at the NFL owners’ meetings offer a glimpse into what the future holds for the Chicago Bears. From his commitment to developing Justin Fields into a top-tier quarterback to his emphasis on building a balanced, aggressive offense, Johnson’s approach signals a shift toward a more modern and dynamic team. His focus on complementary football, player accountability, and special teams also demonstrates his understanding of the full scope of what it takes to succeed in the NFL. With an exciting blend of talent, strategy, and leadership, the Bears are looking ahead to a bright future under Ben Johnson’s guidance.