Bears Coach Ben Johnson Brings Tough Love to Training Camp

Bears coach Ben Johnson made an instant impression on Day 1 of training camp by sending the first-string offense off the field and replacing them with the second unit. The move was a response to pre-snap issues, including a pick-six to linebacker Tremaine Edmunds on the first snap.

Quarterback Caleb Williams had expressed frustration with the previous coaching staff’s approach, begging for someone to come in and coach him harder. Johnson delivered, yelling “You’re out” to the entire unit after multiple pre-snap mistakes.

Tight end Cole Kmet praised Johnson’s ability to bring high standards, saying “If you’re not doing it right, he’s going to get you out.” The Bears can expect a similar level of intensity from both the offense and defense under new coordinator Dennis Allen, who emphasizes building a culture of toughness and discipline.

Allen began his first practice with up-downs for the defense while the offense ran individual drills. He stressed that this is part of building a strong team mentality, where players must “pay the toll” to be successful.

The new coaching staff has no allegiance to the previous regime and won’t hesitate to shake up the depth chart if necessary. Linebacker T.J. Edwards praised Johnson’s high expectations, saying “That’s what it should be.”

Johnson’s arrival marks a much-needed overhaul of the team’s approach, which struggled with precision and detail in recent years. By insisting on excellence from Day 1, Johnson aims to eliminate avoidable mistakes and translate to a smarter operation during the season.

Source: https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2025/07/23/ben-johnson-grants-bears-wish-to-be-coached-harder-on-day-1-by-yanking-1st-string-offense-off-field