How Ben Johnson’s 5-word message to Ryan Poles completely changed Chicago Bears

General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson just finished their first NFL Draft together with the Chicago Bears. However, it was a moment the pairing had been planning for ever since Johnson emerged in the Bears’ head coaching search.

Johnson originally interviewed with Chicago back in January, over Zoom. It didn’t even take an in-person interview for Poles to be convinced the Bears had found their head coach. President Kevin Warren shared the same belief, saying it only took about 10 minutes before he knew Johnson was the right man for the job.

Based off of his work with the Detroit Lions, Johnson had his pick of the litter when it came to picking the franchise he’d make his NFL head coaching debut with. He wanted a general manager he can trust and build the franchise with. Johnson believes he found that in Poles.

In that January interview, Poles admitted that the energy was palpable, even through a screen. Perhaps it was because of how Johnson started his pitch and the vision of a brighter Bears’ future that came with it, via Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune.

“I want to be here,” Johnson said of Chicago.

Ben Johnson rebuilds Chicago Bears culture 

Based on his offensive acumen with the Lions, that will be the main area of improvement fans and pundits will be looking for with the Bears. Chicago finished their 2024 campaign ranked dead last in total offense (284.6) while Detroit finished second (409.5).

The Bears aren’t going to suddenly turn into the Lions offensively, not overnight at least. However, Johnson does have some impressive tools to work with, including a pair of new draft picks in tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden. However, they will be moot additions if quarterback Caleb Williams doesn’t ascend. Johnson will largely be judged, at least offensively, based on how Williams develops.

Defensively, Johnson and the Bears have turned to long-time NFL veteran Dennis Allen. While fans won’t soon forget his run as New Orleans Saints head coach, Allen is one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL. Furthermore, for all the hype he has gotten, Johnson is still a first-time head coach. Allen will only be crucial for the development of Chicago’s defense, but in helping Johnson fully acclimate to the NFL’s highest coaching level.

Beyond everything on the gridiron, Johnson must help change the entire perception of the Bears franchise at large. For years they have been deemed the NFC North’s little brothers. Every Sunday you’ll see fans on social media clowning Chicago for one reason or another.

Ultimately, the Bears haven’t made the playoffs since 2020 and haven’t won a postseason game since 2010; so the taunting is a bit justified. But Johnson must put clear plans in place for Chicago to improve. Winning will silence all of the doubters. And with a rebuilt Chicago roster, Johnson and Poles are hoping to do just that.