I could wax poetic about what makes Ben Johnson different from previous Chicago Bears head coaches.
Or I could let Kalif Raymond spell it out.
Raymond, one of the newest Bears wide receivers, was with the Detroit Lions from 2021 to 2025 — including three seasons with Johnson as the offensive play-caller. One year after watching Johnson leave his post as Detroit’s offensive coordinator to become Chicago’s head coach, Raymond followed Johnson and departed Ford Field for Soldier Field. Given what Raymond says in this clip from an interview on NFL Network, I can understand why:
"He finds what everybody's really, really good at, and he finds a way to allow you to excel at it"@ChicagoBears WR Kalif Raymond is excited to rejoin his former OC Ben Johnson ?@StaceyDales | @PatrickClaybon pic.twitter.com/hk2L2LNCSf
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) June 15, 2026More from Raymond:
“Let’s start with Ben. I think one of the coolest parts about him is that he finds the best in what everybody can do. That’s one of the coolest parts about playing under him, playing with him, getting to know him. He finds what everybody’s really, really good at. And he finds a way to allow you to excel in it.”
It seems simple enough, right? And yet, Bears fans have so many examples of coaches who couldn’t, wouldn’t, and didn’t do that one simple thing. It helps explain why those coaches didn’t have staying power and are no longer with the team.
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesWhat Makes Ben Johnson Different? Kalif Raymond Explains
What Kalif Raymond says about Ben Johnson is one of my favorite things I’ve picked up on while watching the Bears head coach from afar. He puts his players in a position to shine. An obvious example is how he handled running backs D’Andre Swift (who had arguably his best year as a pro) and Kyle Monangai (who played his way into being a big piece of the offensive puzzle as a rookie) last year. But one that isn’t as obvious was his handling of the left tackle situation.
THE NUMBERS BEHIND THE BEN JOHNSON EFFECT ARE ASTOUNDING
After it became evident that things weren’t going to work out with Braxton Jones, Ben Johnson turned to Theo Benedet. But instead of putting a second-year undrafted player on an island, Johnson helped him with backs, tight ends, and quick throws, which allowed Benedet to play to his strengths as a run blocker. Similar things happened when Johnson had to go to Ozzy Trapilo when Benedet was hurt. This is just a snapshot of what good coaching looks like.
QB Caleb Williams (18) talks with head coach Ben Johnson during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesIn addition to finding out what his players are good at and leaning into it, Kalif Raymond dropped a personal anecdote that helps showcase Johnson’s coaching prowess:
“Being in Detroit, one thing I’m very, very thankful for is he gave me the opportunity. Didn’t matter my size, my weight, and all that stuff. He said, ‘If you can go play football, we’re going to give you a chance to do so.’ You put those in combination together, I had my best years, and I’m thankful to continue that with Ben because he’s a genius with that stuff.”
I love that Ben Johnson is the type of coach who gives players opportunities to win jobs. How much you make, where you were drafted, and where you began the season on the depth chart were thrown out the window when it came time to play ball last year. Here’s hoping that line of thinking continues for Johnson as he enters his second year as the Bears’ head coach.
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