‘He’s competitive, man.’ What we learned about Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears at the NFL owners meetings.

The NFL Owners Meetings are an annual event where league executives, owners, and coaches come together to discuss a wide array of topics related to the future of the sport. From league-wide policies to franchise-specific goals, these meetings serve as a critical moment for shaping the trajectory of every team. For the Chicago Bears, this year’s meetings provided a glimpse into what the future holds under the guidance of their new offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson. Known for his competitive nature and fresh approach to coaching, Johnson’s impact on the Bears was a central topic of discussion at the meetings.

Ben Johnson: A Rising Star in Coaching

Before diving into the specifics of what we learned about Ben Johnson at the NFL Owners Meetings, it’s important to understand who he is and why his competitive mindset has become a talking point within the NFL.

Ben Johnson is a relatively young and dynamic coach with a deep understanding of offensive football. Having worked his way up through various coaching positions, Johnson’s rise to prominence was fueled by his innovative offensive strategies and ability to develop quarterbacks. His work with the Detroit Lions as their offensive coordinator has turned heads across the league, with many viewing him as one of the brightest young coaching talents in the NFL.

In the past year, Johnson’s ability to maximize the potential of the Lions’ offense, even in the face of adversity, was a testament to his adaptability and vision. His commitment to efficiency, creativity, and overall team synergy impressed not just his players but the league’s decision-makers. His competitive nature is evident both in his game plans and his insistence on driving his players to be their absolute best.

A Competitive Spirit: The Heart of Johnson’s Approach

At the NFL Owners Meetings, one thing became abundantly clear: Ben Johnson is competitive, and his competitive spirit is exactly what the Chicago Bears need. According to sources close to the team, Johnson’s energy has been infectious since joining the Bears’ staff. His relentless drive to push players and coaching staff alike to outwork their opponents has become a cornerstone of the Bears’ identity moving forward.

The competitive mentality that Johnson brings to the table is evident not just in his demeanor, but in the way he constructs offensive schemes. Rather than simply following trends or adapting to what’s popular, Johnson’s offense is built to outthink and outlast opponents. The Bears, a team long in need of a clear identity, are expected to take on Johnson’s aggressive, no-excuses mentality as they move into the 2025 season.

Johnson’s commitment to winning is contagious. Whether it’s on the practice field or in the film room, Johnson is known for setting a high bar for everyone involved. His personality alone demands accountability, and that can only bode well for a Bears team that’s been in transition over the past few years.

A New Offensive Identity for the Chicago Bears

At the NFL Owners Meetings, Chicago Bears ownership and management discussed their vision for the team’s future. A key part of that vision is the offensive overhaul that Ben Johnson is spearheading. The Bears have struggled offensively in recent seasons, often relying on patchwork solutions and inconsistent play-calling. Under Johnson’s guidance, the Bears are poised to build a more dynamic, high-powered offense—something that has eluded the franchise for years.

Johnson’s influence on the Bears’ offense goes beyond simply calling plays. He’s working closely with quarterback Justin Fields to help him become a more complete passer while also capitalizing on his mobility. This dual-threat approach is designed to make the Bears’ offense more versatile and unpredictable. During the meetings, it was clear that the team has faith in Johnson’s ability to turn the offensive unit around. His success with the Detroit Lions’ offense is being used as a model for what the Bears hope to achieve.

Key to Johnson’s philosophy is balance: a mix of traditional power football with creative passing schemes that keep defenses guessing. While the Bears have a strong running game with players like Khalil Herbert and the emerging D’Onta Foreman, Johnson knows the importance of developing a multi-faceted offense to compete in today’s NFL. He is expected to bring more modern concepts to the Bears’ playbook, including up-tempo offenses, motion-heavy schemes, and creative use of tight ends and running backs in the passing game.

The Bears’ Organizational Strategy

From a broader perspective, the Bears’ approach to the NFL Owners Meetings revealed a lot about where the team stands in its rebuilding process. Bears’ ownership is all in on creating a competitive, sustainable winner. The acquisition of Ben Johnson signals a serious commitment to not only improving the offense but also ensuring that the team has the necessary leadership to contend in the NFC North.

Ownership’s confidence in Johnson was palpable during the meetings. It wasn’t just his offensive schemes that impressed; it was his ability to command respect in the locker room. The Bears are a team that has long struggled with culture issues, but under Johnson’s leadership, there’s a clear sense of direction. His leadership style—driven by a winning mentality—aligns perfectly with what the Bears’ front office wants to build: a no-nonsense, competitive environment where everyone is held to the highest standard.

At the owners’ meeting, General Manager Ryan Poles emphasized that this is a critical year for the franchise, and the direction Johnson is taking the team is central to their success. His focus on fostering a competitive team culture was highlighted as one of the top priorities.

A Glimpse Into the Bears’ Future

The conversations during the NFL Owners Meetings highlighted several important areas of focus for the Chicago Bears moving forward, and Ben Johnson’s role in shaping the team’s competitive future was front and center. As much as this season will be about improving on-field performance, it’s also about laying the foundation for long-term success. With Johnson at the helm of the offense, the Bears are setting themselves up for growth and improvement.

While the team will continue to rely on its defense, which has historically been the strength of the Bears, the hope is that Johnson’s offense can bring the necessary balance to make the team truly competitive in the modern NFL. A team that scores points consistently can challenge for playoff spots, and Johnson’s offensive schemes offer a clear path to getting there.

What’s Next for Ben Johnson and the Bears?

As the Bears continue their offseason preparations, one thing is certain: they will be entering 2025 with a more determined and competitive mindset, thanks in large part to Ben Johnson’s leadership. The offensive transformation under his watch will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the league.

For Bears fans, the competitive spirit that Johnson brings with him is a welcome change. The team’s ability to stay in games and fight for every inch on the field will no longer be in question. With Johnson leading the charge, the Bears are focused not just on winning, but on establishing an identity as a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.

In the end, the NFL Owners Meetings reaffirmed that Ben Johnson’s competitive fire is exactly what the Bears need to turn the page on a new era of football in Chicago. From the front office to the field, the Bears are setting themselves up for an exciting future—one where the competitive spirit of Ben Johnson leads the way.