Yahoo Sports Bears fans react to Ben Johnson's introductory press conference
The Chicago Bears officially introduced new head coach Ben Johnson in a Wednesday press conference at Halas Hall, where he got to address the media, players and fans for the first time.
There were several Bears players in attendance, including quarterback Caleb Williams, receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, as well as tight end Cole Kmet. During his press conference, Johnson directly addressed Williams and the other players in attendance, which was a really cool moment as he laid the initial groundwork.
While Johnson's press conference is no indication whether he'll be a good head coach, there's no denying he absolutely won this introductory press conference. Dominated. Killed. Slayed. Impressed.
As you can imagine, there was plenty of reaction from Bears fans and analysts following Johnson's press conference, and it was nearly impossible to find a negative comment. Johnson commanded the room and showed plenty of confidence as he laid out the framework for his expectations and intentions in Chicago.
Bears fans react to Ben Johnson's introductory press conference
Ben Johnson is winning this press conference.
Commanding the room. Has good and insightful answers. Not rhetoric.
This is exciting.— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) January 22, 2025
Again, winning a press conference in January doesn't mean success is imminent...But Johnson won that thing and ran up the score.
I'm thoroughly impressed even as I try to keep myself grounded.— Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) January 22, 2025
If Ben Johnson commands a locker room like he commands a presser, the Bears hit a fucking home run.
We already know he can coach offense.— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) January 22, 2025
Ben Johnson is awesome. Not much more to say. Built to lead a football team.
— Dave (@dave_bfr) January 22, 2025
give me a minute. about to run through a wall for Ben Johnson. Just one press conference, but he absolutely crushed it.
Time to wake up that sleeping giant! Doesn't sound like someone expecting a slow build. His mission statement? "To win, and win now."
Is this real life?— Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) January 22, 2025
Press conferences only mean so much but man, Ben Johnson absolutely knocked his first one as the #Bears HC out of the park. Wow. Extremely impressed in a number of different ways.
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) January 22, 2025
Ben Johnson talking about Caleb being an important part of his decision. A phenomenonal talent. Ripping this to the studs and rebuilding. Challenging him to grow.#DaBears pic.twitter.com/gIkgQ6rkml
— Mason West (@WestSportsPT) January 22, 2025
Ben Johnson could have burped into the microphone for 8 minutes and I would have been on board but that was a great opening statement.
— Bill Zimmerman (@BillTZimmerman) January 22, 2025
Ben Johnson doing a good job saying "The last coaches fucking sucked" without actually saying it #Bears
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) January 22, 2025
In 22 years covering the #Bears, not sure I’ve seen a head coach at Halas Hall more impressive than Ben Johnson was today in terms of command, confidence and eloquence. Winning a press conference means little but showing the ability to communicate matters—especially here and now.
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) January 22, 2025
Ben Johnson's intro presser ends after 32 minutes. Not sure he could have possibly been more impressive. Left no doubt he can command a room. Came across as intelligent, authentic, genuine, confident, motivated and direct. I'm very optimistic about the future of this franchise!
— Larry Mayer (@LarryMayer) January 22, 2025
Ben Johnson seems to have plenty of self confidence.
Also doesn't mind being direct.#Bears— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) January 22, 2025
Strong first impression from Ben Johnson. Nailed the press conference, said all the right things without too much coach speak or question dodging. A lot to like
— Lorin Cox (@CoxSports1) January 22, 2025
Ben Johnson’s message to the players: “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”
I love it. That’s the mindset it takes to be a champion. Those words remind me of what my dad, @walterpayton, always told me growing up.#Bears— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) January 22, 2025
Ben Johnson. Good Guy. Leader of Men. My Head Coach.
— Eddie (@EddieBarstool) January 22, 2025
I don't know if Ben Johnson is going to be a good head coach but that was the best/most competent press conference presentation for any Bears coach I've ever seen. Particularly good in contrast with the last guy.
— Guillermo Rivera (@FireConf) January 22, 2025
Ben Johnson interview was fire.. he killed it. Love everything he is saying.. sounds like a guy ready to take on a big opportunity. I’ve been super critical on the ownership and gm but for them to pull this off is great
— Aleczander Pena (@Pena3444) January 22, 2025
The ultimate test will be winning football games but that Ben Johnson presser was hopefully the first win of the off-season. Calm, collected and very direct. Now add some line talent and go win some football games #Bears
— Jordan Gagg | @kingoclubs33.bsky.social (@KingOClubs33) January 22, 2025
Press conferences cannot win games, but that was a fantastic press conference by Ben Johnson and shows how well he speaks and can articulate his points. Time to get to work!
— Gary Ross (@gaross18) January 22, 2025
I’ve been fooled before by the new coach or manager “winning the press conference.” Which Ben Johnson definitely did do. But the thing that I loved the most was Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet all being there for it.
— Courtney Finnicum (@courtney883) January 22, 2025
Incredible press conference by Ben Johnson. He seems prepared and confident that he can turn the franchise around. #Bears #BearDown #Bearnation
— Marcus Mac (@thegoatstudio) January 22, 2025
Ben Johnson just nailed that presser.
Left no doubt that he is excited to work with Ryan Poles and build the roster with him. pic.twitter.com/F1aGFAyAB8— BOOG (@BoogCB) January 22, 2025
Trolling the #Packers. Ben Johnson is one of us.
— Bear Goggles On (@BearGogglesOn) January 22, 2025
For whatever it’s worth that Ben Johnson press conference was one of the more normal and encouraging press conferences that I’ve seen from the bears. Now it’s time to go to work! @BarroomNetwork
— Danny Shimon (@dshimon56) January 22, 2025
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears fans react to Ben Johnson's introductory press conference
