Sounds Like Ben Johnson Is Planning Big Changes To Bears Roster

The Chicago Bears went 5-12. That is not good. Bill Parcells famously said you are what your record says you are. This suggests the Bears are a bad team. Now, obviously, such questions are complicated. While the product on the field might not be good, it doesn't mean the Bears lack the talent necessary to get better. Several experts believe this roster is capable of going much further. It is a question of whether they get the right coaching after the Matt Eberflus debacle. That is why Ben Johnson was hired as the new head coach.

He was quick to praise several players across the roster, on offense and defense. However, don't be fooled. Parcells had another saying.

“If they want you to cook the dinner, at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries.”

In other words, it is safe to assume that Johnson might not be married to several players on the roster and would prefer to get some more in line with his vision. His agent, Rick Smith, hinted on 670 The Score that the coach would have a key voice in personnel decisions and could be planning considerable changes.

Ben Johnson likely has a short list of untouchable players.

They will include Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, Cole Kmet, Darnell Wright, Montez Sweat, Jaylon Johnson, Gervon Dexter, and Kyler Gordon. Maybe there are a handful of others, but that's it. Everybody else can be considered expendable for one reason or another. There is no question that changes are coming along the offensive line after it allowed 67 sacks last season. It is also probable that the running back room will be overhauled. Don't forget Detroit dumped D'Andre Swift after Johnson took over as offensive coordinator.

Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen may like his initial setup on that side of the ball, but his personnel preferences don't likely mirror Eberflus. That could lead to some unexpected adjustments. The point is there might be changes coming Bears fans aren't ready for. Yet that is the reality of things when you hire a new head coach. Ben Johnson was brought in to turn this into a championship-caliber team. It is a safe bet a large portion of players on this roster don't fit the bill in his eyes.