Ben Johnson Brings an Old Friend Onto the Bears’ Coaching Staff — the First Piece That Bears His Personal Imprint in the Rebuild

Chicago, Illinois – January 23, 2026

As the rebuild of the Chicago Bears officially gets underway, head coach Ben Johnson has made his first move that clearly carries a personal imprint. According to multiple internal sources, Johnson is working to bring an old friend — someone who previously worked closely with him — onto the Bears’ coaching staff, a decision that reflects trust over convenience.

For Johnson, assembling a coaching staff isn’t simply about filling vacancies on an organizational chart. It’s about culture, philosophy, and locker-room standards. He believes that real, sustainable change begins with people who share the same vision and are willing to shoulder pressure together, rather than chasing short-term approval or outside validation.

The name most frequently mentioned inside the building is Dan Skipper, the former offensive lineman who recently retired after nearly a decade in the NFL. Skipper previously worked alongside Johnson during his time helping build Detroit’s offensive identity and earned a reputation for strong football IQ, discipline, and a respected voice among teammates. Within the Bears’ organization, he is viewed as someone who understands the trenches “from the inside” — an area Chicago has struggled to stabilize for years.

Dan Skipper announces his retirement. https://t.co/AWFMvhCwoD

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 22, 2026

Although Skipper is only beginning his coaching journey, this is not seen internally as a risky experiment. He has already participated in young-coach development programs and contributed at high-level football events, leaving a strong impression with his ability to communicate clearly and connect with players. The Bears believe Skipper could become a critical bridge between the coaching staff and the locker room, particularly for a young offensive line that remains central to the team’s long-term plans.

Aware of the skepticism surrounding a hire rooted in personal familiarity, Johnson has not shied away from the pressure. In a rare moment of candor, he acknowledged that his decision would invite scrutiny.

“I know this decision may draw a lot of criticism, even doubt from the outside. But I’m not building a team based on safety or short-term opinion — I’m building it on belief in people and what they can deliver over time. If the Bears are going to truly change, we have to be willing to start with the hardest decisions.”

In a league where quick fixes often derail long-term vision, Johnson’s approach signals patience and conviction. The Bears are no longer searching for temporary solutions, and this move underscores a broader philosophy: build the people before you build the wins.

The NFL has seen coaches fail because they lacked trusted voices around them — and seen others succeed by quietly surrounding themselves with allies who understood them best. Johnson’s first piece may not dominate headlines, but inside Halas Hall, it’s viewed as the opening step toward a new era — one where the Bears aren’t just changing how they play, but how they believe in themselves.