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When Ben Johnson was announced as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, many fans and analysts alike immediately started to dissect his background and capabilities. For a team that has seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, the appointment of a fresh face like Johnson seemed to signal a new era of possibilities. But one thing was clear from the outset—Ben Johnson had no shortage of expectations to meet.

As the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, Johnson had rapidly built a reputation as one of the NFL’s brightest young minds. His work with Jared Goff and a revitalized Lions offense had earned him accolades and positioned him as a coach on the rise. Now, in a far different environment, he’s tasked with revitalizing a Bears team that has been struggling to find a consistent identity, particularly on offense. The weight of the job could potentially be enormous. Yet, despite the immense pressure and the storied history of genius coaches who have come before him, Johnson’s approach thus far has been remarkably relaxed, thoughtful, and poised.

This calm and collected demeanor is especially important when considering that Johnson is now at the helm of an organization that has often been defined by instability. The Chicago Bears are a team with a rich history but recent struggles, particularly in terms of offensive development. Since the days of Hall of Fame coach George Halas, the Bears have gone through a series of coaching changes, offensive droughts, and uncertainty about the team’s direction. But when a coach with as much potential as Ben Johnson steps in, the narrative begins to shift.

### The Weight of Expectations

In many ways, stepping into a job like this can feel like you’re walking a tightrope. The Chicago Bears fanbase is passionate, and the media spotlight is always on the team, ready to pounce on any misstep. For a rookie head coach like Johnson, expectations could be sky-high, especially when considering the high praise he had received for his work in Detroit. As offensive coordinator, he had helped orchestrate one of the NFL’s most prolific offenses in 2023. Detroit had one of the league’s top-scoring units, and Johnson was lauded for his ability to tailor the offense to the strengths of his personnel.

While that success certainly raised his stock, it also set a high bar for what fans in Chicago would expect. Johnson was not taking over a team that had been consistently competitive for the past decade. Instead, he inherited a team that was still searching for its identity. In the eyes of many, his offensive expertise and leadership would be the antidote to the Bears’ long-standing struggles on that side of the ball.

But the key here is that while expectations are high, Johnson seems to be handling them in stride. Rather than feeling burdened by the idea of genius, he seems to be taking the opportunity to build something authentic from the ground up. He recognizes the importance of developing relationships, fostering trust, and creating a culture of accountability—elements that, when combined with tactical brilliance, create a winning formula.

### The Genius of Simplicity

One of the things that stands out when you look at Ben Johnson’s coaching style is how he marries creativity with simplicity. While other offensive minds often get caught up in drawing up complex plays or creating intricate schemes, Johnson has demonstrated a knack for keeping things simple yet effective. This ability to streamline the offense, focusing on concepts that suit the skill set of his players, is one of the reasons why he’s been able to get the best out of the players under his tutelage.

In Detroit, we saw Johnson tailor the offense to fit the strengths of Jared Goff, someone who had once been written off by many. Under Johnson’s guidance, Goff regained his form, benefiting from an offense that was designed to highlight his strengths, from quick timing routes to play-action passes that created easy reads. Johnson’s offense wasn’t necessarily revolutionary, but it was incredibly effective.

As he steps into the role with the Bears, a similar approach can be expected. The Bears have a talented quarterback in Justin Fields, whose skills as a dual-threat signal-caller have often been underutilized in years past. With Johnson at the helm, there’s reason to believe that Fields will finally see the type of coaching that complements his unique skill set. Johnson has already demonstrated a clear understanding of how to build an offense around a quarterback’s strengths, and it’s likely he’ll do the same with Fields.

Rather than focusing on reinventing the wheel, Johnson’s genius lies in his ability to get the best out of his players within the context of a system that makes sense for them. This is something the Bears have desperately needed—a coach who doesn’t try to fit players into a system that doesn’t work for them, but instead adapts the system to fit the players’ strengths.

### A Calm, Thoughtful Leader

One of the most remarkable aspects of Johnson’s personality is his calm, thoughtful demeanor. In the often chaotic world of the NFL, where emotions can run high, especially for first-time head coaches, Johnson’s level-headedness stands out. This is a man who isn’t overwhelmed by the pressure; instead, he faces the challenges head-on with a clear sense of direction.

This steady leadership style is particularly crucial for the Bears, who have been through a long stretch of instability. The team has been through several head coaches in recent years, each one trying to impose their own system and vision. But stability has been elusive. Now, with Johnson at the helm, there’s a sense of calm that suggests he’s not merely trying to get by; he’s building something sustainable.

Much of Johnson’s composure likely comes from his background. Before entering the NFL, he had a rich coaching experience at the collegiate level. He spent time as an assistant at various schools, working with different types of offenses and learning how to connect with players. This variety of experience gave him the opportunity to grow as a coach, and it helped shape his understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

### The Road Ahead

As the 2025 season looms, there’s much anticipation surrounding Johnson’s first year with the Bears. The team has made significant investments in improving its roster, particularly with additions to the offense, including wide receivers and an improved offensive line. The stage is set for Johnson to make a tangible impact. The Bears don’t expect him to turn the franchise around overnight, but they do expect to see progress, both in terms of offensive performance and team culture.

What’s most encouraging about Johnson’s approach is that he doesn’t seem weighed down by the expectations. He appears to recognize the gravity of the task at hand without allowing the pressure to define his coaching style. The burden of genius is not a weight that drags him down. Instead, it seems to fuel his commitment to bringing the best out of his players, and ultimately, the team.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Ben Johnson so far, it’s that he’s not a coach who will be overwhelmed by the pressures of the job. The genius that others see in him doesn’t appear to be something that hinders his progress; rather, it seems to be something that drives him forward. As the Bears look to re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the NFL, Johnson’s calm and calculated approach may just be the key to unlocking the team’s potential.

In a world where every move is scrutinized and every decision carries weight, it’s refreshing to see a coach who faces the challenge with poise, determination, and a clear vision for the future. Ben Johnson might just be the right man at the right time for the Chicago Bears.