Tag: Ben Johnson

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NFL (American Football)

Ben Johnson and Brian Schottenheimer Downplay Tom Brady Conflict Amid Analyst and Raiders Roles

Tom Brady
Tom Brady (NFL)

Tom Brady’s new position as a Fox Sports analyst, combined with his role as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, has led to questions about potential conflicts of interest. Brady will be part of the broadcast team for Sunday’s matchup between the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, just one week before the Raiders face the Bears in Las Vegas. This overlap has fueled speculation that Brady might gain insider knowledge through production meetings with coaches.

Johnson And Schottenheimer Downplay Brady Conflict, Stressing League-Wide Familiarity And Transparency

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson downplayed any suggestion that Brady’s involvement poses a threat to competitive integrity. Johnson explained that schemes change weekly and that any insights Brady might gather are already accessible through game film. He emphasized that there are no “trade secrets” being shared in these production meetings, stressing that the situation is “not that big of a deal.”

Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson (NFL)

Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer echoed Johnson’s sentiment, joking that he would “not even talk to Tom” ahead of the game. Schottenheimer, who faces Brady’s Raiders later this season, noted that the NFL community is already well-connected, with coaches familiar with each other’s playbooks. He suggested that the supposed conflict of interest is overblown, stating that football knowledge circulates widely in the league regardless.

NFL Defends Brady’s Booth Presence, Johnson Unfazed And Focused On Coaching Duties

Brady was seen in the Raiders’ coaches’ booth during their loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, sparking further debate. The NFL quickly clarified that Brady, as a minority owner, is prohibited from attending practices or production meetings but is allowed to sit in the booth with league-issued equipment. The league emphasized that no policies were violated and that his presence was strictly within the rules.

Johnson reiterated that he has grown accustomed to being careful with his words in all media and production settings, especially since becoming a head coach. He stressed that his approach will not change, regardless of Brady’s unique position. Calling the situation “business as usual,” Johnson reaffirmed his trust in the process, even adding that he has a positive relationship with Brady, keeping the focus firmly on football preparation.

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NFL (American Football)

Ben Johnson Tests Linemen’s Hands as Bears Embrace Trick Play Potential Under Bold New Offense

Ben Johnson Tests Linemen’s Hands as Bears Embrace Trick Play Potential Under Bold New Offense
Ben Johnson Tests Linemen’s Hands as Bears Embrace Trick Play Potential Under Bold New Offense

During his three seasons as the offensive coordinator in Detroit, Ben Johnson earned a reputation for his creative and daring trick plays. He didn’t just design these gadget plays but was fearless in deploying them at crucial moments, demonstrating a willingness to take risks that could catch defenses off guard. This approach made him stand out as a bold and innovative offensive mind.

Thorough Preparation And Unique Drills Reveal Players’ Skills For Successful Trick Plays

Executing these unconventional plays requires thorough preparation. At the Chicago Bears’ mandatory minicamp, Johnson showcased his commitment to practice by ending the final session with an unusual drill—sending offensive linemen sprinting down the sideline to catch passes.

While the results were mixed, the drill served as an important evaluation tool rather than just entertainment, revealing which players have the skills and reliability needed for trick plays.

Ben Johnson Tests Linemen’s Hands as Bears Embrace Trick Play Potential Under Bold New Offense
Ben Johnson Tests Linemen’s Hands as Bears Embrace Trick Play Potential Under Bold New Offense

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent humorously noted that none of the linemen caught the ball particularly well, but right tackle Darnell Wright made a notable impression.

Wright’s catch, where he grabbed the ball with one hand and spun before hitting the ground, caught Johnson’s attention and demonstrated that some linemen have the athleticism to be involved in creative offensive plays. These moments provide valuable insights for Johnson when planning his game strategies.

Johnson’s Innovative Use Of Versatile Players Keeps Defenses Guessing With Creative Trick Plays

Johnson’s previous work with the Detroit Lions included successful trick plays involving multiple offensive linemen, such as the towering Dan Skipper and star right tackle Penei Sewell, who not only caught passes but also attempted throws.

The Bears also experimented with other position players throwing passes, including receivers, tight ends, and even quarterbacks catching the ball. This versatility underscores Johnson’s desire to keep defenses guessing and maximize the skill sets of his roster.

The chaotic, mixed drills at the minicamp’s end are more than fun—they are strategic tests to see which players can handle unconventional roles. Johnson believes he has plenty of “toys to work with” as he prepares his next wave of trick plays. This hands-on evaluation will help him build a more dynamic and unpredictable offense for the Bears moving forward.

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NFL (American Football)

In Chicago, Bears coordinators begin their roles under coach Ben Johnson, aiming to turn around the team’s 5-12 record

Ben Johnson speaks in the news conference

The coordinators hired by Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson bring different levels of coaching experience to their new roles.

Dennis Allen, the defensive coordinator, has been a head coach in the NFL twice, while Declan Doyle, the new offensive coordinator, is the youngest coordinator in the league.

Allen, who worked with the 28-year-old Doyle in New Orleans for four years, believes Doyle has the potential to bring energy to Johnson’s offense.

“I think that the No. 1 thing that stands out the moment you meet him, the moment you talk to him, you sense a highly intelligent person, a guy that’s been around the game, a guy that understands the game,” Allen said. “He understands the game from a multitude of different perspectives. I just think he’s a really good, bright, young coach that has a really good future in front of him.”

Doyle came to the Bears after being the Broncos tight ends coach and working under Denver coach Sean Payton for five years, including three with the Saints. He believes players won’t mind his age.

“I think knowledge is power,” Doyle said. “That is what the guys care about ultimately. Last year was the first time I’ve ever actually been older than all the players in my (position) room.”

“This is going to be my 10th year. But that’s really kind of been a part of my journey to this point.”

Johnson will be calling plays and has said the offensive coordinator role is more about setting the stage.

“I think that’s a good way to describe it,” Doyle said. “Ben is gonna have less time than he’s ever had as a play-caller. Obviously, I think that’s kind of a thing that’s morphing as we go, to try to figure out what that looks like. My job is really gonna be to organize and detail the game plan initially, utilizing our staff.”

Chicago Bears players celebrate after an interception

Doyle remembered how Payton worked with quarterback Bo Nix, who had a season where he was invited as an alternate to the Pro Bowl but had to decline for medical reasons. Doyle thinks the Bears can get similar, or even better, performance from Caleb Williams.

“I think the biggest thing is just the talent of the kid, the ability to use his legs,” Doyle said. “He is a tough kid. You see it on tape.”

Doyle was impressed by Williams’ big-play ability.

“But his second act, his ability to escape the pocket, his ability to create is a special thing and it’s something that I got to see with Bo in Denver last year,” Doyle said. “That ability to evade and put pressure on a defense and kind of be the eraser of game-planning mistakes, I think that’s really exciting about him.”

Experience won’t be a problem for the Bears on the defensive side. Allen was the Saints head coach from 2022 to 2024 and the Raiders head coach from 2012 to 2014, plus he has eight years of experience as an NFL defensive coordinator.

Allen replaces Matt Eberflus, who led the Bears’ defense in 2024 before it struggled in the second half of the season. Allen sees strong potential in cornerback Jaylon Johnson, a Pro Bowl player.

“In particular, I think there’s some things that we have in the secondary that I like, I think there are some pieces at linebacker that I’m encouraged by,” Allen said. “I think there’s a couple of spots up front where we got some players. So, I think the foundation is there defensively.

And I think, look, when Ben asked me if I would be interested, there were a couple of places that I felt like had the pieces in place to potentially be a really good football team, and Chicago was obviously one of them.”

The Bears’ defense played a big part in a late 2023 turnaround, but the offense struggled, leading to a 5-12 finish in 2024.

“We’ve got some size and length at the corner (back) position,” Allen said. “(Cornerback) Kyler Gordon, I think, is an outstanding nickel player. I have a vision for how we can utilize him. I think the foundation for what we want to do is there.”

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NFL (American Football)

Ben Johnson eager to join Bears, excited to help develop Caleb Williams in Chicago

Ben Johnson talks to the reporters after his introduction as the new coach

Ben Johnson saw an opportunity he couldn’t miss when he joined the Chicago Bears. With a talented roster and the potential of having a franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams, Johnson was eager to step into his first head coaching role.

“I’ve always admired what this place could be because I’ve faced them twice a year over the last six years and I’ve really felt like it’s close to going over the hump,” Johnson said on Wednesday.

A New Beginning for the Bears

Johnson, 38, agreed to become the head coach of the Bears after spending three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. The Bears had high hopes for a playoff appearance this season, but instead finished last in the NFC North with a 5-12 record. Following a 10-game losing streak, the team fired former coach Matt Eberflus after their season finale win over Green Bay.

To his new players, Johnson shared his approach: “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” He continued, “We’re gonna push. We’re gonna challenge.”

Experience with Detroit’s High-Scoring Offense

Before joining the Bears, Johnson worked as a quality control coach for Matt Patricia’s staff in Detroit starting in 2019. He had previously spent seven years with the Miami Dolphins.

Johnson helped lead the Lions to one of the NFL’s top offenses over the past three seasons, with the team finishing first in points per game and second in passing yards and total yards per game this season while winning the NFC North with a 15-2 record.

Johnson is known for his creative play calling, and the Bears got a firsthand look at his playmaking in Week 16 when the Lions executed a trick play, leading to a 21-yard touchdown.

Calling Plays for the Bears

Johnson will continue calling plays for the Bears. He shared his thoughts on the challenge of coaching the entire team while overseeing the offense, including the need for a trusted offensive coordinator. He emphasized that the new offensive coordinator will need to be highly organized and detail-oriented.

Ben Johnson and DJ Moore in the news conference

He also mentioned Dennis Allen, former coach of the Saints and Raiders, as a potential candidate for the defensive coordinator position.

Building the Offense Around Caleb Williams

Johnson plans to tailor the Bears’ offense to the players on the team, particularly focusing on Caleb Williams. “We’re going to build this thing,” he said. “This is not simply a dropping of a previous playbook down on the table and starting there. Nope, we’re ripping this thing down to the studs, and we’re going to build it out with him first and foremost, and then with the pieces around him next. I really look forward to challenging him and pushing him.”

Johnson’s Impact on Jared Goff

During his time with the Lions, Johnson played a significant role in revitalizing quarterback Jared Goff’s career. After being traded from the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, Goff threw for over 4,400 yards each of the past three seasons, earning two Pro Bowl selections.

Caleb Williams Excited About the Future

When Williams found out Johnson was taking the Bears’ head coaching job, he was thrilled. “I was insanely excited,” Williams said. “I gave out a loud yell.” He added that Johnson told him, “It’ll be my offense…he’s going to build around me, but also, he’s going to test me. He’s going to challenge me in the offseason.”

A Good Fit for the Bears

The Bears interviewed 17 candidates, but it was clear who their top choice was. General manager Ryan Poles praised Johnson for his ability to put together a high-level offense.

While it wasn’t clear whether Poles received a contract extension, Johnson’s choice to take the job seemed clear. “I know what this city is about,” Johnson said. “It just simply did not take me a long time to decide that this is where I wanted to be, I wanted my family to be. And these are the people that I wanted to be around.”