In just his first training camp as head coach of the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson has already shown a leadership quality that was notably absent under former head coach Matt Eberflus: accountability. While Eberflus often deflected or gave vague answers when his teams struggled, Johnson took full responsibility for a rough offensive showing during a recent practice. His words were clear, direct, and refreshing.
“I’ll fall on the sword on that one,” Johnson said. “I didn’t do a good enough job of installing those plays for them to come out and look the way they looked offensively.”
Ben Johnson Does What Matt Eberflus Wouldn’t — Take Accountability
This may seem like a minor admission, but it’s a significant moment for a franchise that has long dealt with leadership struggles. Ben Johnson’s self-criticism sent a message to players, coaches, and fans alike: the standard is high, and accountability starts at the top. By openly accepting blame, it’s the first step towards fostering a culture of transparency and trust, something Eberflus and several other past Bears head coaches never quite established during their tenures.
In fact, under Eberflus, poor performances often led to blame being subtly shifted toward execution or player mistakes, leaving questions about whether the coaching staff truly evaluated their own role in the team’s failures.
For example, when asked about the play that led Terry McLaurin to secure an easy gain, which resulted in the Washington Commanders’ Hail Mary win last season, Eberflus responded with, “It doesn’t really matter. It’s always really going to come down to that last play.”
By contrast, Johnson is setting the tone from day one. He’s holding himself and the team to the standards he demands, and the results are already beginning to show, especially with rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III.
Tough Coaching Turns Luther Burden III Into an Early Standout
GettyLuther Burden III #87 of the Chicago Bears.
Ben Johnson’s no-nonsense approach hasn’t been limited to how he views himself. He’s also been unafraid to critique and challenge his players, especially second-round pick Luther Burden III.
Burden missed critical time in OTAs, minicamp, and early training camp due to a hamstring injury, and it was clear from the jump that Johnson wasn’t about to sugarcoat the rookie’s early struggles. “It shows up already,” Johnson said after a walkthrough earlier this week. “I mean, we were in the walkthrough yesterday afternoon and the misalignments — we have to re-huddle, we have to start it all over again. He’s a little bit behind right now.”
Many coaches might hesitate to be publicly open about their rookie trying to find his footing, but Johnson used the moment as a teachable one, and Burden has responded in a huge way. After just a few practices, Burden has emerged as one of the team’s most exciting early performers, reeling in a series of impressive catches. Johnson praised the young receiver’s sudden improvement, noting his play speed in Wednesday’s workout “jumped off the tape to us all.”
What’s more telling is how Burden has embraced Johnson’s demanding style. Rather than sulking or pushing back, he’s gone all in, showing up early, working closely with the quarterbacks, and immersing himself in the playbook.
“I get here early,” Burden said. “I do walkthroughs with the QBs…Everybody in the building is looking out for me trying to get me up to date and make sure I’m here ready to perform.”
For a franchise desperate for a fresh direction, Johnson’s willingness to shoulder blame while pushing his players to be their best could be the culture shift the Bears have long needed.
Ben Johnson Did the Impossible — At Least for Matt Eberflus