Ben Johnson’s journey to Chicago was never going to be quiet, but few expected the level of noise surrounding his name to erupt before his first full season as head coach. The Chicago Bears’ newly minted leader, known for his offensive genius and innovative approach, has already begun reshaping the team’s identity. Yet in a twist that has stunned both fans and analysts alike, Johnson was shockingly disrespected in a recent NFL coaching ranking, landing far lower than expected. The rankings, released by a major media outlet, placed Johnson in the bottom tier—sparking immediate backlash from Bears Nation and setting the tone for a fiery 2025 campaign.
For Bears fans, who have endured years of coaching carousel chaos and inconsistent quarterback play, the hiring of Ben Johnson was a breath of fresh air. Johnson, the mastermind behind Detroit’s offensive resurgence over the past few seasons, was considered one of the hottest coaching candidates in the league. His arrival in Chicago represented a new era—one built on creativity, aggression, and a strong vision for modern football. So when the rankings dismissed Johnson’s potential and impact, labeling him as unproven and prematurely placing him beneath far less accomplished names, the reaction was swift and visceral.
Social media exploded with reactions from Bears fans who felt the national media was already underestimating what Johnson brings to the table. “Same old disrespect,” one user wrote. “They doubted Eberflus, they doubted Fields, and now they’re doubting Ben Johnson. Let the games begin.” Another tweet read, “This man turned Jared Goff into a top-10 QB and built one of the NFL’s most creative offenses—how is he behind guys who haven’t even made the playoffs?”
Johnson’s resume speaks for itself. As Detroit’s offensive coordinator, he helped transform a bottom-tier offense into one of the most feared units in football. His schemes were multidimensional—run-heavy when necessary, deep-shot capable when required. He made stars out of names many had written off. More importantly, he commanded respect from the locker room and built an offense that not only scored points but controlled the tempo of games.
What makes this snub particularly glaring is the contrast between Johnson’s recent success and the performance of some coaches ranked ahead of him. Several names on the list either struggled in recent seasons, lacked consistency, or had limited success despite far more time in their respective positions. Yet, somehow, Johnson—despite being viewed as the most coveted coordinator-turned-head-coach this offseason—was relegated to the lower rungs, as if his accomplishments carried less weight because of the “rookie head coach” label.
Insiders close to the Bears organization report that Johnson is unfazed by the slight. One team source said, “Ben’s not going to lose sleep over some media list. He’s here to build something special, and he’s locked in. If anything, this adds fuel to the fire.” That mindset, one rooted in discipline and determination, is exactly why many in Chicago believe the disrespect won’t last long.
The Bears’ front office made a calculated and aggressive move to land Johnson, beating out multiple franchises in a competitive coaching market. He was widely regarded as the future of NFL coaching—a bridge between old-school fundamentals and new-wave play design. It’s hard to understand how such a forward-thinking hire could be overlooked so easily, especially when the modern NFL is increasingly defined by coaches who can think creatively under pressure.
While the rankings may have intended to stir debate or lean into the idea of “earning it on the field,” there’s a fine line between cautious skepticism and outright dismissal. Ben Johnson may be new to the head coaching world, but he’s no rookie to football. He’s seen the grind from the ground up. From his time as an offensive assistant in Miami to his pivotal role in the Lions’ rebuild, Johnson has never had anything handed to him. Everything he’s accomplished has come from preparation, innovation, and execution—traits that typically earn respect, not dismissal.
In Chicago, Johnson inherits a roster full of potential. With a revamped offensive line, a promising young quarterback in Caleb Williams, a dynamic receiving corps, and an aggressive front office backing him, the pieces are in place for a serious turnaround. And Johnson is not the type to let public perception interfere with progress. He’s already implemented a culture of accountability at Halas Hall, pushing his players mentally and physically to meet the high standards he expects. By all accounts, the team has bought in—and they’re already showing signs of transformation.
If early minicamp reports are any indication, the Bears offense is picking up steam. Players have spoken openly about the complexity and unpredictability of Johnson’s playbook, describing it as “light-years ahead” of what they’d seen in recent years. Even defensive players admit they’re being challenged in practice in ways they hadn’t before. “He’s changing how we think about the game,” one veteran linebacker said. “It’s exciting—and it’s tough. But it’s the kind of tough that makes you better.”
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Every coach has to prove themselves, especially in a league where windows open and close with frightening speed. But Ben Johnson isn’t just another coordinator getting his shot. He’s a trailblazer, someone whose coaching tree hasn’t even started to grow yet—and already, he’s leaving an imprint on how the game is played.
Critics may argue that it’s too early to rank him among the league’s elite. But to place him in the bottom tier is more than cautious—it’s dismissive. It ignores the fact that the NFL is a league of trends, and Johnson has been setting them for the past two years. It overlooks the sheer demand for his services this offseason. And it underestimates just how dangerous the Bears could become under his leadership.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent franchise history for the Bears. With a new coach, a young quarterback, and a fan base starving for sustained success, the stakes are sky-high. But so is the optimism. And while national rankings may continue to push narratives, the reality on the field will ultimately tell the story. Johnson knows that better than anyone. He’s not here for validation—he’s here to win.
If anything, this early disrespect could be exactly what the Bears need. It creates an underdog mentality. It lights a fire in a locker room already hungry to silence doubters. And it gives Ben Johnson his first rallying cry as head coach: prove them wrong.
So while the headlines may scream disrespect, Chicago’s response is simple—just wait. Let the doubters talk. Let the rankings snub. When the 2025 season kicks off, Ben Johnson and the Bears plan to let their play do the talking. And if history is any indication, the coach everyone’s sleeping on might just be the one who wakes the league up.
