NEWSLETTER
NEW BEARS HC BEN JOHNSON PUT ON A SHOW — Generally speaking, I try to refrain from reading or crafting opinions on who won or lost a given press conference. I’m not saying you can’t glean any information from these events, but at the end of the day, it’s just a dude answering questions. However, I can confidently say that what we saw today from Ben Johnson at Halas Hall was the most impressive performance from a Bears head coach meeting the media…maybe ever? At least in my lifetime.
Outside of Lovie Smith, recent Bears head coaches haven’t exactly been press conference darlings. Whether it was John Fox leaning heavily on coach speak, Marc Trestman muttering his answers, or Matt Eberflus dancing around questions, no recent Bears head coach has really set themselves apart when meeting the media.
But that changed today during Ben Johnson’s opening press conference.
Of course, we’ll reserve our real judgment until we see the actual product on the field – winning and losing is all that matters in the NFL. But given the constant communication problems out of Halas Hall, the inability for coaches to command the locker room, and the players’ general demand for more accountability, Johnson could not have done more to set himself apart this morning.
Ben Johnson Showed Ability To Command The Room
More specifically, Johnson commanded the room at the Halas Hall podium. He spoke clearly, directly, and concisely. There was no hesitation in his answers, no matter what question was thrown at him.
He also didn’t need any acronyms to get across his particular philosophies.
His performance also helped us answer one of the biggest remaining questions about Johnson: Who is he as a communicator at the podium and a coach in the locker room? We already know he can call an offense. But because he’s been an OC, we never got this close of a look at the other side.
But the early results are positive, as today’s presser truly felt like the start of a new era. It felt like a coach with a plan. Like someone who knew how he wanted to sound and what he wanted to say. Like a man with confidence, who knew he was the man for the job (not just someone hoping he was).
Winning a press conference might not matter in the long run, but proving you have a strong ability to communicate does. Johnson showcased that ability today.
There is still A TON of work left on Ben Johnson’s plate, and getting this franchise turned around will necessarily encounter a whole host of obstacles. But every journey starts with a single step. And today, Johnson’s first step was forward.
