David Montgomery reveals what Chicago Bears fans can expect from head coach Ben Johnson

As the Chicago Bears embark on a new chapter under the leadership of Ben Johnson, the team’s freshly appointed head coach, the buzz surrounding his hiring continues to grow. The Bears, coming off a season of rebuilding, are hoping that Johnson will be the catalyst for turning their fortunes around and developing a competitive team that can make a run for the playoffs in the near future. With expectations high for the 2025 season, Bears fans are eager to know what kind of coach Johnson will be and how he plans to revitalize the team’s offense. One player who has firsthand insight into Johnson’s approach is David Montgomery, the former Bears running back who played under Johnson during his tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.

Montgomery, who played for the Bears from 2019 to 2022 before signing with the Detroit Lions in 2023, has worked closely with Johnson and has seen his offensive schemes up close. In a recent interview, Montgomery opened up about what Bears fans can expect from Johnson as the head coach, giving a rare insider perspective on the new coach’s style, philosophy, and expectations. As a player who has experienced Johnson’s leadership both as an offensive coordinator and as a coach, Montgomery’s comments carry a lot of weight and offer fans a glimpse of the future under Johnson’s guidance.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into Montgomery’s insights on Ben Johnson, exploring the key qualities that make Johnson an ideal fit for the Bears, what kind of system he will implement, and how his leadership can help Justin Fields and the offense reach its full potential. We’ll also examine how Johnson’s approach differs from that of previous Bears coaches, and what the team’s future might look like under his tutelage.

Ben Johnson’s Offensive Philosophy

One of the most important aspects of Ben Johnson’s coaching style is his commitment to developing a modern, dynamic offense. David Montgomery has firsthand experience working with Johnson, having been a key part of the Lions’ backfield in 2023 when Johnson served as the team’s offensive coordinator. Montgomery was quick to praise Johnson’s ability to adapt to the strengths of his players and build an offense that plays to their talents.

“Ben is all about tailoring the offense to the players he has,” Montgomery said. “He doesn’t try to force a system that doesn’t fit, and that’s something that makes him so effective. He looks at each player’s strengths and finds a way to maximize them, whether it’s in the run game, the passing game, or in the way they interact with each other on the field.”

For the Bears, this approach is crucial. Justin Fields, the team’s young quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance in his first few seasons, but his development has been hampered by a lack of supporting talent and inconsistent offensive schemes. Fields is a dynamic playmaker, particularly with his legs, and Johnson’s ability to design an offense that takes advantage of his dual-threat capabilities could unlock the next level of his development.

Johnson’s offense in Detroit was built around a balanced attack that utilized both the running game and the passing game to keep defenses off balance. In 2023, under Johnson’s leadership, the Lions finished with one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses, ranking in the top 10 in both passing and rushing yards. Jared Goff, the Lions’ quarterback, had one of the best seasons of his career, and Amon-Ra St. Brown emerged as one of the NFL’s most dynamic wide receivers. Montgomery believes Johnson will bring a similar offensive balance to Chicago, utilizing the team’s strengths while developing players who may still be on the rise.

“Ben knows how to use his personnel,” Montgomery continued. “He did a great job with the Lions, especially in the run game, and he’ll bring that same approach to the Bears. Whether it’s the running backs, the offensive line, or the quarterbacks, he knows how to get the most out of everyone.”

The addition of Montgomery’s insight is particularly valuable for Bears fans, as it provides clarity on what to expect from Johnson’s system. The Bears have a solid young core of players, including Fields, DJ Moore, and Khalil Herbert, and Montgomery’s comments suggest that Johnson will build an offense that maximizes their potential, much like he did with the Lions’ playmakers.

A Focus on Balance and Flexibility

One of the most notable qualities of Ben Johnson’s coaching philosophy is his emphasis on balance. Montgomery explained that Johnson is not one to become overly reliant on one aspect of the offense—whether it be the run game or the passing game. Instead, Johnson’s offense is designed to keep defenses guessing, utilizing both the running backs and the passing attack to keep them off balance.

“Ben is all about keeping the defense on their toes,” Montgomery explained. “It’s about creating mismatches, moving the ball around, and being unpredictable. When you can run the ball and throw it effectively, you’re going to be tough to stop. I know that’s what he’s going to do with the Bears.”

For the Bears, this focus on balance could be a game-changer. The team’s offensive struggles in recent years have been a result of a lack of consistency in both the running and passing games. In 2024, the Bears were ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing attempts and passing efficiency, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach. Johnson’s system, which emphasizes play-action passing and effective use of the running backs, could be just what the Bears need to turn things around.

Additionally, Johnson’s ability to adapt his play-calling to different situations makes him a versatile coach. He has shown that he can effectively adjust his strategies depending on the game situation, whether it’s a high-scoring shootout or a grind-it-out, physical matchup. Montgomery believes that this adaptability will be crucial for the Bears, who will need to find ways to succeed in a variety of game environments.

“He knows when to be aggressive and when to be patient,” Montgomery said. “That’s a huge part of being a successful play caller. He’s got a good feel for the game and can adjust on the fly. That’s something that will really help the Bears as they move forward.”

Developing Young Talent

One of the most exciting aspects of Ben Johnson’s hiring is his ability to develop young players. Montgomery, who worked with Johnson during his first year as an offensive coordinator, saw firsthand how Johnson could get the most out of his players, even those who were still developing.

“You can tell Ben is all about developing players,” Montgomery said. “He works with the guys individually to help them get better, and he challenges them in the right ways. He doesn’t just throw a bunch of plays at you—he teaches you how to read defenses, how to adjust to situations, and how to make the most out of every rep.”

This commitment to player development is particularly important for the Bears, who have several young pieces on their roster, including Justin Fields, Khalil Herbert, and a promising group of wide receivers. Johnson’s track record of developing players at key positions will be crucial for the Bears as they continue to build their offense for the future.

Fields, in particular, will benefit from Johnson’s expertise in developing quarterbacks. Montgomery praised Johnson for his work with Jared Goff in Detroit, who had one of the best seasons of his career under Johnson’s tutelage. With Fields’ dual-threat ability and his potential to become one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, Johnson’s guidance could unlock Fields’ full potential and help him take the next step in his development.

“Ben has a way of working with quarterbacks and really helping them grow,” Montgomery said. “He’ll get the best out of Justin, just like he did with Jared in Detroit. Justin has a lot of talent, and Ben will help him harness it in the right way.”

Johnson’s Leadership and Culture

While Montgomery primarily spoke about Johnson’s offensive strategy and player development, he also highlighted the importance of Johnson’s leadership and the culture he brings to the team. Johnson’s leadership style is one that emphasizes accountability, communication, and team chemistry—qualities that Montgomery believes will resonate with the Bears.

“Ben is a guy who holds you accountable, but he also knows how to get the best out of you by building relationships,” Montgomery said. “He’s not just a coach who’s all about Xs and Os—he cares about you as a person. That makes a huge difference when you’re trying to build something special.”

For the Bears, a culture of accountability and trust will be crucial as they work to develop a winning mindset. After years of inconsistency and instability, Johnson’s leadership could be the stabilizing force that the Bears need to cultivate a culture of success.