Ben Johnson, the Bears’ coach, looked for integrity and character in his assistants.
Ben Johnson, the Bears’ Coach, Looks for Integrity and Character in His Assistants: Building a Winning Culture in Chicago
As the Chicago Bears embark on their journey to reclaim respect and consistency in the NFL, one of the key figures in this transformation is Ben Johnson, the head coach tasked with leading the team back to prominence. Known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and commitment to team culture, Johnson’s approach to coaching is one that emphasizes not just talent and ability, but also integrity and character.
The NFL is a league that has seen many coaches come and go, some with tremendous success, while others flamed out due to internal discord, lack of leadership, or a failure to build a cohesive culture. For Johnson, the pursuit of success is not just about winning games but about building a foundation based on principles that will sustain the team long after the final whistle of each season. And part of that process begins with choosing the right assistant coaches.
In the high-stakes world of professional football, assistant coaches play a critical role in a team’s success. From developing players to implementing game plans, their influence on the field is profound. For Johnson, the task is not just about hiring assistants with strong football minds, but finding those who can exemplify integrity and character. He believes that these qualities are just as important as tactical acumen and experience.
The Importance of Integrity and Character
In any professional setting, integrity and character are essential qualities that define leadership and team success. In sports, where emotions run high and decisions can sometimes be driven by ego or pride, the need for strong ethical standards is even more critical. Johnson recognizes that a coach’s influence goes beyond X’s and O’s—it extends to the players’ mentalities, attitudes, and overall approach to the game.
For Johnson, integrity means doing what’s right, not just when others are watching, but when no one is around to notice. It involves being transparent, honest, and accountable. Character, on the other hand, is the sum of a person’s values and actions, especially in moments of adversity. It’s about maintaining composure under pressure, treating others with respect, and making decisions based on what’s best for the team rather than individual glory.
As a coach, Ben Johnson has learned the value of integrity and character through his own experiences in the NFL. Whether it was as an assistant coach in Detroit or during his time in college football, Johnson has witnessed firsthand how a lack of these qualities can derail teams, even when they have the talent and resources to succeed. And now, as the head coach of the Bears, he is committed to creating a culture where integrity and character are non-negotiable.
The Search for the Right Assistants
For Johnson, assembling the right coaching staff is crucial to shaping the culture of the team. As much as a head coach’s decisions influence the team’s success, the assistant coaches are the ones who interact daily with the players. They are the ones who offer guidance, develop individual players, and instill the team’s values. That’s why Johnson looks for certain qualities when selecting his assistants—qualities that go beyond just coaching skills.
1. Trustworthiness and Accountability:
For Johnson, the ability to trust his assistants is paramount. Trust is the foundation of any strong coaching staff. He needs coaches who will be honest with him and with each other, especially when things go wrong. The NFL season is long, and adversity is inevitable. Whether it’s dealing with injuries, losing streaks, or difficult players, a coaching staff must be able to weather the storm together. This can only be done when each assistant holds themselves accountable and remains true to the mission.
2. Selflessness and Team First Mentality:
Coaching in the NFL is about much more than individual recognition. Johnson understands that football is a team game, and a winning team requires a selfless mentality. He actively seeks assistants who put the team above personal glory. Coaches who are willing to sacrifice their individual interests for the greater good of the team will always thrive under his leadership. Selflessness also extends to how coaches treat each other, fostering an environment where collaboration is prioritized over competition within the staff.
3. Emotional Intelligence and Leadership:
As a coach, being able to connect with players on a personal level is essential. Emotional intelligence is a key factor for Johnson when hiring assistants. He wants coaches who understand the emotional side of the game—those who can connect with players, inspire them, and motivate them through both highs and lows. The ability to handle pressure, remain calm during adversity, and help players stay focused is invaluable. Johnson recognizes that leadership is not just about calling plays or making tactical decisions but about managing people and fostering a positive, productive environment.
4. Strong Communication Skills:
Effective communication is the bedrock of any successful coaching staff. For Johnson, communication with his assistants needs to be transparent, direct, and respectful. The coaching staff must be able to communicate effectively not only with players but with each other. A strong coaching staff thrives on collaboration, open discussions, and the willingness to listen. For Johnson, communication is a two-way street—it’s not just about giving instructions, but also about receiving feedback and continuously learning.
5. Passion and Commitment:
Johnson looks for assistants who are passionate about the game and about developing the players under their guidance. Football is demanding, both mentally and physically, and coaching requires an immense amount of time, energy, and sacrifice. Johnson seeks coaches who are fully committed to the process and who show up every day ready to invest in the development of both the team and individual players. Passion is contagious, and a staff filled with passionate coaches is more likely to inspire the players to perform at their highest level.
A Look at Some of Johnson’s Key Assistant Coaching Hires
While much of the attention on the Bears’ coaching staff will naturally fall on Johnson as the head coach, his assistants are equally important in the development of the team. Since taking over as head coach, Johnson has made several hires that reflect his commitment to building a team rooted in integrity and character.
1. Offensive Coordinator:
One of the most important hires Johnson made was his choice of Offensive Coordinator. Johnson’s vision for the Bears’ offense centers around developing Justin Fields, the team’s young quarterback. Fields’ potential is undeniable, but he requires guidance to reach the next level. Johnson sought an offensive coordinator who not only had the expertise to design a potent offensive scheme but who also exhibited the emotional intelligence to work with a young quarterback.
In hiring an assistant with a focus on mentoring Fields, Johnson prioritized someone with a track record of developing quarterbacks and instilling confidence in them. Moreover, the offensive coordinator needed to be a communicator—someone who could engage with Fields, develop his skills, and maintain open lines of dialogue during both the highs and lows.
2. Defensive Coordinator:
The Bears have historically been known for their tough, hard-nosed defense, and Johnson has placed significant emphasis on continuing that tradition. For the defensive coordinator position, Johnson sought a coach with a proven ability to develop defensive schemes that are not only aggressive but also disciplined. In the high-stress world of defense, it’s essential that coaches are able to stay calm, make adjustments in the heat of the moment, and keep the unit focused.
A coach with integrity and character is particularly important on the defensive side of the ball, where players often deal with high-pressure situations, and emotions can run high. The ideal candidate needed to be someone who leads by example, both in their personal actions and in their leadership style. Integrity in defensive play means being reliable, executing the game plan, and working as a cohesive unit.
3. Special Teams Coach:
While special teams may not always get the spotlight, the importance of a well-coached special teams unit cannot be overstated. For Johnson, the special teams coach needed to embody the principles of integrity, accountability, and relentless effort. Special teams often come down to one play, one moment, and Johnson needed a coach who could instill the mental toughness required to execute in critical moments.
A coach in this role had to be someone who would approach every detail with precision, ensuring that the team never took special teams for granted. The player’s buy-in would be critical, and a coach with high moral standards would help foster that trust.
Creating a Culture of Integrity and Character
At the heart of Johnson’s hiring process is the goal of building a team that stands for something bigger than just football. By choosing assistants with integrity and character, Johnson is laying the groundwork for a team culture where values matter as much as wins and losses. In the NFL, success is often fleeting, but a team with a strong culture of accountability, mutual respect, and character will weather the storm and remain competitive in the long run.
Johnson understands that success is not just about having the most talented players, but about creating a culture where everyone is aligned in their commitment to the team. His assistants are crucial in this process—they are the ones who will help him instill those values in the players. Whether it’s coaching on the field, mentoring behind the scenes, or modeling leadership, the assistant coaches will play a central role in shaping the future of the Bears.
