‘Stay Out of His Way’: Bears OC tells the truth about Ben Johnson’s intensity

Ben Johnson established a reputation for himself as a no-nonsense head coach during his first year with the Chicago Bears. He demonstrates intensity during practices or games, bringing out the best in his players and staff, including offensive coordinator Press Taylor.

Johnson led Chicago to an 11-6 record in 2025 en route to winning the NFC North. The Bears also reached the Divisional Round but lost 20-17 in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams. He’s hungry for more success and aims to further cement his place among the best young coaches in the NFL. It won’t be easy given their tough schedule, but he has the support of the roster, the coaching staff and the front office.

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

Chicago Bears OC Press Taylor opens up on Ben Johnson’s game-day intensity

Taylor addressed the media on Thursday. Reporters asked him to share how Johnson is like during game days, and the offensive coordinator discussed his intensity.

“I don’t talk to Ben on game day, so I don’t really know,” Taylor said. “I just kind of steer clear. You see a certain intensity. We don’t see him much in the locker room pregame, especially us that go to the box. We go to the box early so you don’t see him address the team necessarily before. But when he steps on the field, there’s a certain look in his eyes that’s kind of like, all right. And you get excited, because we get excited on our side because we have been.

“That’s part of the process of why we have been. Like, that’s a big part of it. And you just kind of see it in the way he operates. And you stay out of his way and let him do his thing and communicate when he asks you to communicate.”

“I don’t talk to Ben on gamedays.”

– Press Tayor in Ben Johnson’s intensity pic.twitter.com/1MCccippmi

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) July 30, 2026

Johnson, Taylor and the Bears are amid their training camp, with their sights set on having another big campaign. Chicago will open its regular season on Sept. 13 on the road against the Carolina Panthers.