New Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson leaned on an old adage in his first message to his players, delivered via the media during his introductory press conference inside Halas Hall.
Johnson, hired this week in the aftermath of the Detroit Lions’ season-ending loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, understands it may be a long path back for Chicago to compete for championships but is already laying the groundwork for the mentality he wants his team to adopt.
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable,” Johnson told the assembled media will be his message to the Bears’ players. “The bar has been set higher than it’s ever been set before.”
Why Ben Johnson Chose the Chicago Bears
In a lot of ways, Johnson was able to pick his destination.
The most coveted potential hire over the past two offseasons, Johnson has had sights set on the Bears’ vacancy dating back to 2023, according to Sports Illustrated, but it wasn’t until the job came open in recent months that this potential reunion became a reality.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles left no doubt during Johnson’s introductory press conference that the former Lions offensive coordinator was atop the franchise’s wishlist.
“Throughout the entire process,” Poles told reporters. “We came away impressed with his passion, his leadership, his football IQ, and his vision for winning football.”
As it turns out, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the opportunity to work alongside Poles was a major drawing card for Johnson during this process.
“In Poles, Johnson saw a guy who was exceptionally smart,” Breer writes for Sports Illustrated. “And had made plenty of mistakes, as most folks do in a new job, over his first three years—and, as such, knew what not to do. The first part of Johnson’s Chicago interview was one-on-one with Poles, and Poles was sincere with Johnson about his early missteps, and his desire to have a coach with strong convictions and go find the right players for that coach.”
Chicago Bears new head coach gives quarterback a message in opening press conference
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