Bears HC Ben Johnson’s unexpected comment on rookie Dillon Thieneman

Ben Johnson and his coaching staff have overseen the Chicago Bears’ training camp and preseason. It allowed them to see firsthand how prepared the player are for the upcoming season, including Dillon Thieneman. The head coach joked about the rookie safety when asked about how he has performed so far.

The Bears drafted Thieneman at No. 25 overall out of Oregon. He shined with the Ducks last season, recording 96 combined tackles consisting of 52 assisted and 44 solo efforts. He added 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks and two interceptions.

The team will rely heavily on him early in the season, especially with Coby Bryant out for the next four to six months. Thieneman has shown his no nonsense demeanor during practices and goes by with his work quietly.

Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears — Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson speaks during Minicamp at Halas Hall.

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson jokes about Dillon Thieneman’s demeanor

Johnson told reporters that Thieneman rarely talks during practice sessions. He also joked that he hasn’t heard the 22-year-old speak yet.

“I just joked around with the team a couple a days ago that I don’t even know what (Dillon’s) voice sounds like,” Johnson said. “He just comes into work and gets after it.”

“I just joked around with the team a couple a days ago that I don’t even know what [Dillon’s] voice sounds like. He just comes into work and gets after it.”

Ben Johnson on #Bears rookie safety Dillon Thieneman: pic.twitter.com/vw4d74uZFy

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) August 27, 2026

However, he highlighted how Thieneman has been and how he works hard.

“A little bit robotic like that, in a good way,” Johnson said. “I’m saying that as a compliment. He just puts his head down and grinds. And what you’ve seen is slow and steady progress throughout. You’ve seen some of the ball production. Last week, certainly in Cincinnati, getting the interception, that was one of the best plays of that practice.

“And what you’re seeing now is him really honing in on taking good angles, whether he’s the quarter safety, post safety, down safety, it really doesn’t matter where he’s aligning, making sure he’s taking good angles and stopping the football that way. So really pleased with where he’s at as well.”

Thieneman needs to step up his game early and prove his worth. Bryant’s setback is a huge blow to the team, but the 2025 first-team All-American appears ready to take on a big role.