CHICAGO, IL – June 2, 2025 – The pressure cooker that is the Chicago Bears head coaching job has intensified following a challenging start to the 2025 season under new head coach Ben Johnson. Amidst the swirling criticisms and mounting expectations, former Bears head coach Matt Nagy, now the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, has offered a poignant and direct message to his successor, emphasizing the unique demands and inherent struggles of leading the storied franchise.
Nagy, who guided the Bears to a division title in his first year in 2018 but ultimately faced dismissal after a prolonged offensive stagnation and declining records, spoke candidly during a recent appearance on a national sports broadcast. His words, steeped in the undeniable experience of having walked in Johnson’s shoes, carried a weight of understanding and a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the NFL, particularly in a market like Chicago.
“Being the head coach of the Chicago Bears is unlike any other job in the league,” Nagy began, a reflective tone in his voice. “The passion of the fanbase, the history of the franchise – it’s immense. And with that comes immense pressure and scrutiny. Ben Johnson is a brilliant offensive mind, and he’s going to do great things. But he needs to understand that this isn’t just about Xs and Os. It’s about navigating an incredibly demanding environment, building a culture that withstands adversity, and constantly adapting.”
Nagy’s message comes as the Bears, under Johnson, have struggled to consistently find their footing in the nascent 2025 season. While the offense, anchored by second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, has shown flashes of the dynamic playmaking promised by Johnson’s arrival from Detroit, inconsistencies and critical errors have plagued their efforts. The offensive line, despite significant offseason acquisitions like Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman, has yet to fully cohere in the run game, a crucial element of Johnson’s desired scheme. Furthermore, Williams’ deep ball accuracy has been cited as an unexpected early challenge, adding another layer of complexity to the offensive struggles.
“My advice to Ben, if he were to ever ask, would be to ‘Win, and beat the Packers’,” Nagy stated, echoing a sentiment he shared back in February when Johnson was first hired. This concise directive highlights the perennial barometer of success for any Bears coach, a task that has proven elusive for many in the franchise’s recent history.
Beyond the immediate results, Nagy delved into the deeper challenges of the head coaching role itself. “When you’re a coordinator, your focus is primarily on one side of the ball. As a head coach, you’re responsible for everything – offense, defense, special teams, player management, media, the locker room. It’s a completely different animal. You have to have an incredibly strong support system around you. People you trust implicitly, who can tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear.”
He touched upon the philosophical shifts required. “I came to Chicago with a strong offensive philosophy, and while we had success early, the league evolves, and you have to evolve with it. You can’t be stubborn. You have to be willing to adjust your scheme to your personnel, to the challenges of the opposing defenses, and to the ever-changing landscape of the NFL. Sometimes, what works in one place doesn’t immediately translate to another, and that adaptation is key.”
Nagy also subtly alluded to the high expectations that often precede a new coach, particularly one arriving with Johnson’s offensive pedigree. “There’s a lot of hype that comes with a new regime, and rightfully so. But building a consistent winner takes time, patience, and an unwavering commitment to the process, even when the results aren’t immediately what everyone hopes for. You’re going to face negativity, and you have to be resilient.”
The Bears entered the 2025 season with a renewed sense of optimism. Johnson’s reputation for developing quarterbacks and crafting innovative offensive schemes, coupled with a promising young roster and significant draft capital, led many to believe a quick turnaround was imminent. However, the early returns have underscored the persistent challenges of building a winning culture in the NFL. Beyond the offensive woes, the team’s ability to consistently execute in critical moments and overcome late-game deficits has been a recurring theme.
Nagy, who has seen firsthand the unforgiving nature of the NFL coaching carousel, emphasized the importance of self-belief and blocking out external noise. “You have to trust your process, trust your staff, and most importantly, trust your players. If you lose the locker room, you lose everything. And in Chicago, the microscope is always on. Every decision, every word, every performance is dissected. Ben has to stay true to himself and his vision.”
His message wasn’t one of criticism, but rather an empathetic warning from a predecessor who understands the unique trials and tribulations of the position. It serves as a powerful reminder that while the X’s and O’s are crucial, the art of head coaching in the NFL, especially for a franchise yearning for sustained success like the Chicago Bears, encompasses a complex tapestry of leadership, adaptability, and unwavering resolve in the face of immense pressure. As Ben Johnson continues to navigate the complexities of his inaugural season, Matt Nagy’s words offer a potent blend of insight and empathy from someone who knows the battlefield all too well.
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