The Chicago Bears’ social media team has entered menace mode. They’re not just posting highlights, they’re posting statements. Earlier this week, they clapped back at Rome Odunze’s father with a perfectly timed video showcasing the rookie’s unselfish play, a response fans labeled a “professional-level mic drop.” And now, the Bears have dialed up the subtle smoke again. This time, the target appears to be none other than former head coach Matt Eberflus. One quiet caption and Chicago’s online presence made it loud and clear: this is a new era, and they’re not afraid to remind everyone how far they’ve come.

After pulling off a wild comeback victory this Sunday over the New York Giants, they dropped a video of Ben Johnson’s post-game locker room speech. Nothing seemed concerning at first, but the caption, “Hits every time,” definitely caught fans’ attention. The words felt a little too intentional, almost like a quiet dig aimed at the past. For anyone who remembers, former head coach Matt Eberflus built his whole philosophy around “H.I.T.S.”, hustle, intensity, turnovers, and smarts…a mantra he swore would turn the Bears around. But instead, it turned into a disaster.

Eberflus managed just 14 wins before being waived after the last Thanksgiving. He wasn’t often considered a “player’s coach”. He used to make the players and the staff feel small and dodged the bullets whenever things went south. The locker room atmosphere was even described as “ugly” with yelling and unrest. But these aren’t “just the talks”; even his ratings were horrendous.

Earlier this year, according to the NFLPA’s annual report card, a survey based on team facilities, staff, and players ranked him “C”. Sports Illustrated’s Gene Chamberlain discovered that only 59% of the Bears called his playcalling efficient and thus placed him at the 30th spot among 32 coaches. But now that Johnson is here, the staff has a different opinion of him.

Ben Johnson has had a significant impact on players and the Bears

Since taking over the coaching duties for Chicago, Johnson has been nothing less than exceptional. The Bears played their 3 games, winning 2 of them, which ranked them at the top of the NFC North in the preseason. Talking about this regular season, though they are placed in 3rd place after their 2nd straight win, the Bears’ offense has been rolling under the 39-year-old HC. It ranks among the top 3 offenses of the league, scoring 379.8 yards per game. He has also significantly improved individual performances.

“He sets the standard for everybody in the building, and he’s very passionate about it,” Olamide Zaccheaus said, via Marquee Sports Network. “You can just tell that he’s authentically himself, he’s such an easy coach to play for because you just know how real and true he is, day in and day out, and how much he cares about the vision and our purpose here.” Zaccheaus, who’s having his first year with Chicago, has racked up 32 receptions for 248 yards with an average of 7.8 already. 

The Bears will be going against the divisional rivals, the Vikings, for the week 11 showdown. They will be frustrated from this week’s loss against the Ravens and will be hoping to bounce back. If Johnson wants to continue his winning streak and make way for the playoffs, he will have to pull the team with more than a winning speech.

The message from the Bears, both on the field and on the timeline, is unmistakable. This is a team embracing a new identity, a new voice, and a new standard. Ben Johnson isn’t just coaching games; he’s reshaping the culture. And if Chicago continues to play with this fire, accountability, and swagger, Week 11 won’t just be another divisional matchup; it’ll be another chance to prove that the Bears’ rebuild is no longer a promise. It’s happening in real time.