Ben Johnson

Can I start with the first question for you first? Yeah, okay. All right. Super Bowl scenario.

Can I start with the first question for you first? Yeah, okay. All right. Super Bowl scenario.

I like that. Yeah, pretty good. Scenario, Super Bowl, Chicago Bears versus New England Patriots. Who are you rooting for? Bears. Bears. You are? Bears all day. Okay. Bears. Good. We got that one out of the way.

I like that. Yeah, pretty good. Scenario, Super Bowl, Chicago Bears versus New England Patriots. Who are you rooting for? Bears. Bears. You are? Bears all day. Okay. Bears. Good. We got that one out of the way.

Washington had a great year.

Washington had a great year.

Yeah. Yeah. I think it's it. Listen, it's been everything I wanted it to be. I know that it's been five weeks and a lot of work and getting the coaching staff together, getting schedules in place. And it's a lot going on. So I haven't had a chance to reflect yet or anything like that. But no, it's exactly what I wanted.

Yeah. Yeah. I think it's it. Listen, it's been everything I wanted it to be. I know that it's been five weeks and a lot of work and getting the coaching staff together, getting schedules in place. And it's a lot going on. So I haven't had a chance to reflect yet or anything like that. But no, it's exactly what I wanted.

I hate all those terms, actually. I agree. I want to be a damn good footballer. I want to be remembered as Andy Reid-esque or Belichick-esque. That's what I aspire to be.

I hate all those terms, actually. I agree. I want to be a damn good footballer. I want to be remembered as Andy Reid-esque or Belichick-esque. That's what I aspire to be.

I think it's been every step along the way, that's when you start looking at the next step. And so when Dan Campbell promoted me to tight ends coach, there was a point I was like, man, I love this job. I could do this for the next 20 years. This is great. But then eventually you're like, well, I would love to call plays too at some point. And so, well, you get the opportunity to do that.

I think it's been every step along the way, that's when you start looking at the next step. And so when Dan Campbell promoted me to tight ends coach, there was a point I was like, man, I love this job. I could do this for the next 20 years. This is great. But then eventually you're like, well, I would love to call plays too at some point. And so, well, you get the opportunity to do that.

And then once you're calling plays for a little bit, you're like, oh, well, there's another ladder to climb here. So yeah, over the last... call it three years. That's where it really came, came to shape. I can't tell you, I got into this business to be a head coach that, that really wasn't, wasn't the intent. The intent was to be around some really good people. And I love the game.

And then once you're calling plays for a little bit, you're like, oh, well, there's another ladder to climb here. So yeah, over the last... call it three years. That's where it really came, came to shape. I can't tell you, I got into this business to be a head coach that, that really wasn't, wasn't the intent. The intent was to be around some really good people. And I love the game.

I love the sport and, uh, everything that comes out from it. And so, uh, it's just been a natural progression and, and, uh, it's really the next step.

I love the sport and, uh, everything that comes out from it. And so, uh, it's just been a natural progression and, and, uh, it's really the next step.

Yeah. Is that true? That was a long time ago.

Yeah. Is that true? That was a long time ago.

Yeah, to a degree. That's pretty cool.

Yeah, to a degree. That's pretty cool.

Yeah, so it was a way of taking what was ever already inputted into the system and organizing it a different way. Listen, it's not fun or sexy to talk about. I don't think we need to.

Yeah, so it was a way of taking what was ever already inputted into the system and organizing it a different way. Listen, it's not fun or sexy to talk about. I don't think we need to.

I would say what stands out, which is different than where I came from, would be the ability to improvise, the creation when things break down, extend plays, throw on the move outside of the pocket. He's a dynamic athlete. He's got all the intangibles, I believe, that the great quarterbacks have. He wants to be great. He wants to be coached. That was important as well.

I would say what stands out, which is different than where I came from, would be the ability to improvise, the creation when things break down, extend plays, throw on the move outside of the pocket. He's a dynamic athlete. He's got all the intangibles, I believe, that the great quarterbacks have. He wants to be great. He wants to be coached. That was important as well.

So I'm still getting to know him, but I really can't wait to get to work with him.

So I'm still getting to know him, but I really can't wait to get to work with him.

You like those?

You like those?

bigger plays like how did that become a key part of your playbook let me start uh the head coaches you did talk to what did they say were they gonna uh they would they would kind of laugh and they'd say well no they would laugh and they'd say uh yeah but you also have a high risk of turning the ball over oh come on that's that's baloney that's what they said about the triple option yeah when that came to light right and so listen it was last year we're watching self scout as a staff and

bigger plays like how did that become a key part of your playbook let me start uh the head coaches you did talk to what did they say were they gonna uh they would they would kind of laugh and they'd say well no they would laugh and they'd say uh yeah but you also have a high risk of turning the ball over oh come on that's that's baloney that's what they said about the triple option yeah when that came to light right and so listen it was last year we're watching self scout as a staff and

uh there was a certain concept we had ran a number of times a year before and it was like well what if we did that you see the same reaction from the defense didn't matter what coverage they were in the same reaction what if we just sent another player going the other way and we we threw the ball to him and so uh that's really how that came to light we did probably what four or five of them this year in detroit and uh they ended up being pretty darn good plays but you got to have the right players too yes it was saint brown yeah say you get get the ball saint brown he's gonna

uh there was a certain concept we had ran a number of times a year before and it was like well what if we did that you see the same reaction from the defense didn't matter what coverage they were in the same reaction what if we just sent another player going the other way and we we threw the ball to him and so uh that's really how that came to light we did probably what four or five of them this year in detroit and uh they ended up being pretty darn good plays but you got to have the right players too yes it was saint brown yeah say you get get the ball saint brown he's gonna

make sure he's doing the right thing with it. He's a dog.

make sure he's doing the right thing with it. He's a dog.

Well, you see Kansas City do it, but that's a little bit more ad lib, I feel like, whereas we were a little bit more detailed about the relationship. But like I said, the triple option, I'm sure when that came out years ago, everyone went, what the hell is this thing?

Well, you see Kansas City do it, but that's a little bit more ad lib, I feel like, whereas we were a little bit more detailed about the relationship. But like I said, the triple option, I'm sure when that came out years ago, everyone went, what the hell is this thing?

You don't know when they're going to be good again. Right. Because they're really predicated on the defense you're playing that week. And so if you're going to invest the time and the energy to install it and practice it on the field, then why wait? What could be another four weeks before you actually get a chance to run it? Right. Might as well capitalize on that opportunity right now.

You don't know when they're going to be good again. Right. Because they're really predicated on the defense you're playing that week. And so if you're going to invest the time and the energy to install it and practice it on the field, then why wait? What could be another four weeks before you actually get a chance to run it? Right. Might as well capitalize on that opportunity right now.

And not to mention, there's a million plays you can run. There's a million plays and we've only scratched the surface of what we're capable of doing right now. And so, yeah, we'll scratch one of those million off the list. And OK, we got a bunch of them left. Let's let's go on to the next one.

And not to mention, there's a million plays you can run. There's a million plays and we've only scratched the surface of what we're capable of doing right now. And so, yeah, we'll scratch one of those million off the list. And OK, we got a bunch of them left. Let's let's go on to the next one.

Yeah. Yeah. It happens. The best times are in the shower. That's where we go. Yeah. You got nothing else to do but. Your mind's on football in the shower. That's where the best ideas pop up.

Yeah. Yeah. It happens. The best times are in the shower. That's where we go. Yeah. You got nothing else to do but. Your mind's on football in the shower. That's where the best ideas pop up.

I like that. I like that. I haven't heard that one before.

I like that. I like that. I haven't heard that one before.

Yeah, and this stems from John Shoup, who actually coordinated it in Chicago early 2000s. He was a coordinator when I was a senior at North Carolina. Caleb Presley knows him very well. And he used to say, yeah, we want the same things to look different and different things to look the same. And so really that's the starting premise for offensive football.

Yeah, and this stems from John Shoup, who actually coordinated it in Chicago early 2000s. He was a coordinator when I was a senior at North Carolina. Caleb Presley knows him very well. And he used to say, yeah, we want the same things to look different and different things to look the same. And so really that's the starting premise for offensive football.

That's what it was since I took over as a play caller.

That's what it was since I took over as a play caller.

That's right. Okay. That's right. I got it now. I think. Yeah. I think. That's right.

That's right. Okay. That's right. I got it now. I think. Yeah. I think. That's right.

Very important. Yeah. Yeah. You know, I was very fortunate to be around some good ones over my career. And I think the best ones, what they do is they elevate the players around them. And so really, they've been the tone setters, the best offenses I've been a part of, the best teams I've been on. That running back position has really been vital in terms of getting the game going.

Very important. Yeah. Yeah. You know, I was very fortunate to be around some good ones over my career. And I think the best ones, what they do is they elevate the players around them. And so really, they've been the tone setters, the best offenses I've been a part of, the best teams I've been on. That running back position has really been vital in terms of getting the game going.

When things are going in a lull, which will happen from time to time, get it in his hands and he'll pick us back up again. And so, no, the running back position is huge.

When things are going in a lull, which will happen from time to time, get it in his hands and he'll pick us back up again. And so, no, the running back position is huge.

We, we, uh, he, no, you're right. He's super intelligent.

We, we, uh, he, no, you're right. He's super intelligent.

Yeah. And, uh, I've learned a ton from him. Each week was its own entity, though. And so it wasn't like you went into the season saying, hey, every fourth and two, we're always going to go for it. That was not the case. It just depended on the week, the opponent, how aggressive they were, the weather. There's all kinds of factors that come into play.

Yeah. And, uh, I've learned a ton from him. Each week was its own entity, though. And so it wasn't like you went into the season saying, hey, every fourth and two, we're always going to go for it. That was not the case. It just depended on the week, the opponent, how aggressive they were, the weather. There's all kinds of factors that come into play.

And so going into the game, yeah, he would have shared that information with me of – man, once we hit midfield, if you can make it fourth and three or less, then you're going to have a green light.

And so going into the game, yeah, he would have shared that information with me of – man, once we hit midfield, if you can make it fourth and three or less, then you're going to have a green light.

And then over the course of the game, once we hit that range, he would be in my headset and tell me, hey, you got four downs here, which would tell me, oh, I just got to make this fourth and three or less. Right, right. And so what that allowed me to do as a play caller was we ran the ball a shit ton on third down.

And then over the course of the game, once we hit that range, he would be in my headset and tell me, hey, you got four downs here, which would tell me, oh, I just got to make this fourth and three or less. Right, right. And so what that allowed me to do as a play caller was we ran the ball a shit ton on third down.

You know, to make it into those manageable situations. And a lot of those runs we ended up converting anyways because that's actually the best time to run the ball.

You know, to make it into those manageable situations. And a lot of those runs we ended up converting anyways because that's actually the best time to run the ball.

So it was – I think that was his whole grand scheme. Mm-hmm. You know, there's a lot of science behind it. He contains multitudes.

So it was – I think that was his whole grand scheme. Mm-hmm. You know, there's a lot of science behind it. He contains multitudes.

Yeah. And that was the play style there, too. So the players knew it. The players knew exactly what we were getting into, not only on offense, but also on defense. They knew, well, there's a chance that we're not going to convert. And now they're going to have to defend a short field or something like that.

Yeah. And that was the play style there, too. So the players knew it. The players knew exactly what we were getting into, not only on offense, but also on defense. They knew, well, there's a chance that we're not going to convert. And now they're going to have to defend a short field or something like that.

You know, the buy in is so important to any team that you're a part of. And fortunately, there in Detroit, there's a lot of player buy in.

You know, the buy in is so important to any team that you're a part of. And fortunately, there in Detroit, there's a lot of player buy in.

in hindsight it should have been that yeah because that was fun but uh no he threw the ball probably half a dozen times the previous three weeks in practice dimes every single time oh wow dimes every single time put it right on the money on you're talking about 330 pounds running probably 15 miles an hour to his right and throwing it right on the money Yeah.

in hindsight it should have been that yeah because that was fun but uh no he threw the ball probably half a dozen times the previous three weeks in practice dimes every single time oh wow dimes every single time put it right on the money on you're talking about 330 pounds running probably 15 miles an hour to his right and throwing it right on the money Yeah.

I don't know if I've seen a more athletic movement. Yeah.

I don't know if I've seen a more athletic movement. Yeah.

I like to call them.

I like to call them.

Yeah. If you need it, you call it.

Yeah. If you need it, you call it.

That's good.

That's good.

What 45-yard line?

What 45-yard line?

You said I don't need to answer this. You don't have to answer this.

You said I don't need to answer this. You don't have to answer this.

Okay.

Okay.

It's just the me gloating. Worked out well for Washington.

It's just the me gloating. Worked out well for Washington.

Can I not just give a body part instead?

Can I not just give a body part instead?

Yeah. Which body part would you sacrifice? I've got the three kids. My wife is already telling me what I should do next. So I guess we can go with testicles. That works. Done.

Yeah. Which body part would you sacrifice? I've got the three kids. My wife is already telling me what I should do next. So I guess we can go with testicles. That works. Done.

Allegedly. Allegedly.

Allegedly. Allegedly.

Okay. And so I probably could get 405 right now. Whoa.

Okay. And so I probably could get 405 right now. Whoa.

What do I look like?

What do I look like?

Oh, thank you.

Oh, thank you.

Yeah, once a week. Okay.

Yeah, once a week. Okay.

No, no. But they've seen me. They've seen me occasionally. Yeah, you got to let them see you.

No, no. But they've seen me. They've seen me occasionally. Yeah, you got to let them see you.

Listen, I'm no Campbell or Vrabel. I can tell you that right now. Yeah, I mean, those guys are awesome. Dan Campbell. Yeah, something else.

Listen, I'm no Campbell or Vrabel. I can tell you that right now. Yeah, I mean, those guys are awesome. Dan Campbell. Yeah, something else.

No, listen, I think when you go from coordinator to head coach, you're looking for a great situation. And that's what I felt like Chicago had to offer. I felt really strongly about the ownership, George McCaskey, President Kevin Warren, Ryan Poles, obviously. I felt really strongly about that setup. And I felt like we could win not only in the near future, but long term as well.

No, listen, I think when you go from coordinator to head coach, you're looking for a great situation. And that's what I felt like Chicago had to offer. I felt really strongly about the ownership, George McCaskey, President Kevin Warren, Ryan Poles, obviously. I felt really strongly about that setup. And I felt like we could win not only in the near future, but long term as well.

But just as a consequence, it ended up being in the division. Is it ideal? Probably not because I have a lot of love and respect for those guys that I just came from, but it'll make a couple Sundays each year a little bit more fun.

But just as a consequence, it ended up being in the division. Is it ideal? Probably not because I have a lot of love and respect for those guys that I just came from, but it'll make a couple Sundays each year a little bit more fun.

Yeah, I experienced it when I was in Miami. Gase was the head coach, and he was calling it. Listen, what I've done, what I've tried to do at least when bringing all these guys together is – What are my strengths and my weaknesses and trying to score up all my weaknesses? So I know on game day, I'm going to have a lot going on.

Yeah, I experienced it when I was in Miami. Gase was the head coach, and he was calling it. Listen, what I've done, what I've tried to do at least when bringing all these guys together is – What are my strengths and my weaknesses and trying to score up all my weaknesses? So I know on game day, I'm going to have a lot going on.

And that's where having Dennis Allen in the building and on the sideline is going to be huge relief because he's been there. He's done that. I have a lot of trust in what he can do on that side of the ball. Richard Hightower is a carryover. Coach for special teams. He's got a lot of skins on the wall. Highly respected special teams coordinator.

And that's where having Dennis Allen in the building and on the sideline is going to be huge relief because he's been there. He's done that. I have a lot of trust in what he can do on that side of the ball. Richard Hightower is a carryover. Coach for special teams. He's got a lot of skins on the wall. Highly respected special teams coordinator.

And then there'll be a game management portion that's up in the booth that'll have to be my eyes up top to help navigate some of those processes so that we don't fall into some traps there at the end of the game.

And then there'll be a game management portion that's up in the booth that'll have to be my eyes up top to help navigate some of those processes so that we don't fall into some traps there at the end of the game.

Well, it's all about the people you put around you.

Well, it's all about the people you put around you.

yeah that's what it comes yeah help us 28 guys that you have on your staff yeah we got we got a great mix of uh of experience and and energy and uh i think idea guys so i i feel really good about where we're at are you an acronym guy do you have an acronym no no acronyms okay love that love that that's a great answer that's a great answer dog guy not an acronym guy love that okay uh uh

yeah that's what it comes yeah help us 28 guys that you have on your staff yeah we got we got a great mix of uh of experience and and energy and uh i think idea guys so i i feel really good about where we're at are you an acronym guy do you have an acronym no no acronyms okay love that love that that's a great answer that's a great answer dog guy not an acronym guy love that okay uh uh

I would say it's less about me and it's more about the quarterback. So with Caleb being a second year player. And everything that that entails, he's still – I thought he had a productive first year in terms of exposure of a lot of things that can go on.

I would say it's less about me and it's more about the quarterback. So with Caleb being a second year player. And everything that that entails, he's still – I thought he had a productive first year in terms of exposure of a lot of things that can go on.

But to help him out the most here going forward, I do think we need a strong presence at center, smart player that can help set the table from a run game and pass protection perspective.

But to help him out the most here going forward, I do think we need a strong presence at center, smart player that can help set the table from a run game and pass protection perspective.

like to your defense coordinator some ideas that you can pass along be like hey if I want to stop this here's what I would do yeah yeah we'll have those conversations and uh certainly within the division I already have a good feel with some of these teams in the division what what may or may not be good ways to go yeah do you hate the Packers I don't like the Packers yeah he's

like to your defense coordinator some ideas that you can pass along be like hey if I want to stop this here's what I would do yeah yeah we'll have those conversations and uh certainly within the division I already have a good feel with some of these teams in the division what what may or may not be good ways to go yeah do you hate the Packers I don't like the Packers yeah he's

No, I don't know him like that.

No, I don't know him like that.

Listen, it's a friendly rivalry going on, so it'll be fun.

Listen, it's a friendly rivalry going on, so it'll be fun.

It's another tool. So, I mean, it's the first exposure we get personality and football intelligence with the formal interviews. So just another tool, but yeah, I'd say the end all be all is the tape. Yeah. Yeah.

It's another tool. So, I mean, it's the first exposure we get personality and football intelligence with the formal interviews. So just another tool, but yeah, I'd say the end all be all is the tape. Yeah. Yeah.

That is a good question. I don't know if I have the answer for that one. Has it been like longer than a week?

That is a good question. I don't know if I have the answer for that one. Has it been like longer than a week?

You don't sneak off a little tape? You go private browser when you're in the bathroom looking at some tape? Incognito mode. Yeah, incognito mode.

You don't sneak off a little tape? You go private browser when you're in the bathroom looking at some tape? Incognito mode. Yeah, incognito mode.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, shoot. Probably 40.

Oh, shoot. Probably 40.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I mean, particularly during the season, but off-season, it adds up.

I mean, particularly during the season, but off-season, it adds up.

Yeah, that's where those ideas pop up. You know, last offseason about the laterals. And then we had some other cool stuff with Lyman splits, moving them around and things like that. So, yeah, you kind of collect that as you're watching everything.

Yeah, that's where those ideas pop up. You know, last offseason about the laterals. And then we had some other cool stuff with Lyman splits, moving them around and things like that. So, yeah, you kind of collect that as you're watching everything.

No, I mean, the best example would have been that stumble bomb play from Jared. I actually wanted him to put the ball on the ground. That's insane. He's the one that told me, I don't know if that's the best idea. So, yeah. I mean, really, the players will start bringing us back down to earth. Yeah.

No, I mean, the best example would have been that stumble bomb play from Jared. I actually wanted him to put the ball on the ground. That's insane. He's the one that told me, I don't know if that's the best idea. So, yeah. I mean, really, the players will start bringing us back down to earth. Yeah.

No, he said no way.

No, he said no way.

Yeah. So it depends on the opponent. Yeah. Yeah. Some weeks you'll say, hey, we need one each quarter. Other weeks it might be a little bit more conservative than that.

Yeah. So it depends on the opponent. Yeah. Yeah. Some weeks you'll say, hey, we need one each quarter. Other weeks it might be a little bit more conservative than that.

But yeah.

But yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I like it.

I like it.

It's like the fake flea flicker run. Yeah. Yes. Right? Yes. But just the special teams run. Yes. I love it. Fake punt-punt. Now we're talking.

It's like the fake flea flicker run. Yeah. Yes. Right? Yes. But just the special teams run. Yes. I love it. Fake punt-punt. Now we're talking.

Always.

Always.

Uh, okay. Why not? It's just been feast or famine. Yeah. I like a little bit more consistency. Okay. I like that. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But there's a time and place. Sure. I like to dabble.

Uh, okay. Why not? It's just been feast or famine. Yeah. I like a little bit more consistency. Okay. I like that. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But there's a time and place. Sure. I like to dabble.

Yes.

Yes.

I did not know that. The Low Man Trophy. Yeah.

I did not know that. The Low Man Trophy. Yeah.

Really? Yeah. How many NFL teams have fullbacks? Not enough. Not a lot. Probably count them on one hand at this point.

Really? Yeah. How many NFL teams have fullbacks? Not enough. Not a lot. Probably count them on one hand at this point.

Chicago bear football. Yeah, bear weather is great. It's going to be a weapon for us. Yes. Get some of these dome teams in December and January. It would be perfect.

Chicago bear football. Yeah, bear weather is great. It's going to be a weapon for us. Yes. Get some of these dome teams in December and January. It would be perfect.

Depends on the week. Depends on the week. That's not every week. Yeah. There's different ways to win.

Depends on the week. Depends on the week. That's not every week. Yeah. There's different ways to win.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Well, I think it started with... having that first round by the years prior, you know, didn't have the ability to really think through some things. And so we had some time off and all all four interviews that I took, I was able to actually think about going into a little bit. And so I had a very good feel that this is the direction I wanted to go.

Well, I think it started with... having that first round by the years prior, you know, didn't have the ability to really think through some things. And so we had some time off and all all four interviews that I took, I was able to actually think about going into a little bit. And so I had a very good feel that this is the direction I wanted to go.

I'm not saying necessarily Chicago at that point, but I knew I wanted to be a head coach this cycle. Um, and then once I got on the interview and it just, it absolutely clicked with Chicago and the leadership group and, uh, Ryan, I love Ryan. Um, I felt really strongly about, about that place.

I'm not saying necessarily Chicago at that point, but I knew I wanted to be a head coach this cycle. Um, and then once I got on the interview and it just, it absolutely clicked with Chicago and the leadership group and, uh, Ryan, I love Ryan. Um, I felt really strongly about, about that place.

And so that's right when that happened, it got off the call and it was like, this is where, this is where I want to go. And so, um, You know, the season ended in such an abrupt fashion. Give Washington a lot of credit because because they did. They earned that that thing. But, you know, it was really planning on on going deep in the playoffs there and making it to the Super Bowl.

And so that's right when that happened, it got off the call and it was like, this is where, this is where I want to go. And so, um, You know, the season ended in such an abrupt fashion. Give Washington a lot of credit because because they did. They earned that that thing. But, you know, it was really planning on on going deep in the playoffs there and making it to the Super Bowl.

So it was a tough way to go out. And, you know, it all escalated very quickly after that. You know, had about 48 hours of exit meetings and everything. And then and then, yeah, it was this is what's going on. And let's go ahead and get it done. Yeah.

So it was a tough way to go out. And, you know, it all escalated very quickly after that. You know, had about 48 hours of exit meetings and everything. And then and then, yeah, it was this is what's going on. And let's go ahead and get it done. Yeah.

The players come in, they have their physicals and just make sure they're healthy. And then they'll meet as a team offense with your position coaches. And then some guys would come, come by my office as well as the coordinator and just, you know, what do I need to work on or things like that?

The players come in, they have their physicals and just make sure they're healthy. And then they'll meet as a team offense with your position coaches. And then some guys would come, come by my office as well as the coordinator and just, you know, what do I need to work on or things like that?

Yeah. I mean, it's a, it's a, it's a crappy time.

Yeah. I mean, it's a, it's a, it's a crappy time.

Yeah. 31 teams. It's just, it's the worst day of the year.

Yeah. 31 teams. It's just, it's the worst day of the year.

Yeah, it wasn't really part of my thought process.

Yeah, it wasn't really part of my thought process.

Well, AI. AI. AI said two circles in 10 years.

Well, AI. AI. AI said two circles in 10 years.

Yes.

Yes.

No. You didn't? No. Here's what happened is we found a house, and then my wife all of a sudden, she's like, well, I want to redo the kitchen. I want to redo the bathroom. All right, so that counts? Yeah. That counts as buying something? Yeah. That's where it's going initially. OK.

No. You didn't? No. Here's what happened is we found a house, and then my wife all of a sudden, she's like, well, I want to redo the kitchen. I want to redo the bathroom. All right, so that counts? Yeah. That counts as buying something? Yeah. That's where it's going initially. OK.

I need to put on some weight. I lose it during the season. I was down about 10, 15 pounds by the end of the year. That happens every year for me. Is that just stress? I don't know what it is. Maybe. Okay. Yeah. I need that diet.

I need to put on some weight. I lose it during the season. I was down about 10, 15 pounds by the end of the year. That happens every year for me. Is that just stress? I don't know what it is. Maybe. Okay. Yeah. I need that diet.

Keep squatting four or five, man. What do you bench? Not, not nearly as much. Okay. You know, Norwegian, Scandinavian. So I got the thick lowers. What, what, what was your peak squat? Peak squat, uh, was probably like four 55. Yeah.

Keep squatting four or five, man. What do you bench? Not, not nearly as much. Okay. You know, Norwegian, Scandinavian. So I got the thick lowers. What, what, what was your peak squat? Peak squat, uh, was probably like four 55. Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I can't get there. I'm nowhere near that now, though. What are you doing on calf raises? I could crush you in captures.

I can't get there. I'm nowhere near that now, though. What are you doing on calf raises? I could crush you in captures.

I think you not only have to win multiple Super Bowls. I think you got to get the trifecta. I think you got to get three in a row. Okay. Yeah.

I think you not only have to win multiple Super Bowls. I think you got to get the trifecta. I think you got to get three in a row. Okay. Yeah.

I like where your head's at. I got his number.

I like where your head's at. I got his number.

That was my pregame routine. That's right.

That was my pregame routine. That's right.

Would he call this reversing?

Would he call this reversing?

Let's go win.

Let's go win.

I love it.

I love it.

Can I start with the first question for you first? Yeah, okay. All right. Super Bowl scenario.

I like that. Yeah, pretty good. Scenario, Super Bowl, Chicago Bears versus New England Patriots. Who are you rooting for? Bears. Bears. You are? Bears all day. Okay. Bears. Good. We got that one out of the way.

Washington had a great year.

Yeah. Yeah. I think it's it. Listen, it's been everything I wanted it to be. I know that it's been five weeks and a lot of work and getting the coaching staff together, getting schedules in place. And it's a lot going on. So I haven't had a chance to reflect yet or anything like that. But no, it's exactly what I wanted.

I hate all those terms, actually. I agree. I want to be a damn good footballer. I want to be remembered as Andy Reid-esque or Belichick-esque. That's what I aspire to be.

I think it's been every step along the way, that's when you start looking at the next step. And so when Dan Campbell promoted me to tight ends coach, there was a point I was like, man, I love this job. I could do this for the next 20 years. This is great. But then eventually you're like, well, I would love to call plays too at some point. And so, well, you get the opportunity to do that.

And then once you're calling plays for a little bit, you're like, oh, well, there's another ladder to climb here. So yeah, over the last... call it three years. That's where it really came, came to shape. I can't tell you, I got into this business to be a head coach that, that really wasn't, wasn't the intent. The intent was to be around some really good people. And I love the game.

I love the sport and, uh, everything that comes out from it. And so, uh, it's just been a natural progression and, and, uh, it's really the next step.

Yeah. Is that true? That was a long time ago.

Yeah, to a degree. That's pretty cool.

Yeah, so it was a way of taking what was ever already inputted into the system and organizing it a different way. Listen, it's not fun or sexy to talk about. I don't think we need to.

I would say what stands out, which is different than where I came from, would be the ability to improvise, the creation when things break down, extend plays, throw on the move outside of the pocket. He's a dynamic athlete. He's got all the intangibles, I believe, that the great quarterbacks have. He wants to be great. He wants to be coached. That was important as well.

So I'm still getting to know him, but I really can't wait to get to work with him.

You like those?

bigger plays like how did that become a key part of your playbook let me start uh the head coaches you did talk to what did they say were they gonna uh they would they would kind of laugh and they'd say well no they would laugh and they'd say uh yeah but you also have a high risk of turning the ball over oh come on that's that's baloney that's what they said about the triple option yeah when that came to light right and so listen it was last year we're watching self scout as a staff and

uh there was a certain concept we had ran a number of times a year before and it was like well what if we did that you see the same reaction from the defense didn't matter what coverage they were in the same reaction what if we just sent another player going the other way and we we threw the ball to him and so uh that's really how that came to light we did probably what four or five of them this year in detroit and uh they ended up being pretty darn good plays but you got to have the right players too yes it was saint brown yeah say you get get the ball saint brown he's gonna

make sure he's doing the right thing with it. He's a dog.

Well, you see Kansas City do it, but that's a little bit more ad lib, I feel like, whereas we were a little bit more detailed about the relationship. But like I said, the triple option, I'm sure when that came out years ago, everyone went, what the hell is this thing?

You don't know when they're going to be good again. Right. Because they're really predicated on the defense you're playing that week. And so if you're going to invest the time and the energy to install it and practice it on the field, then why wait? What could be another four weeks before you actually get a chance to run it? Right. Might as well capitalize on that opportunity right now.

And not to mention, there's a million plays you can run. There's a million plays and we've only scratched the surface of what we're capable of doing right now. And so, yeah, we'll scratch one of those million off the list. And OK, we got a bunch of them left. Let's let's go on to the next one.

Yeah. Yeah. It happens. The best times are in the shower. That's where we go. Yeah. You got nothing else to do but. Your mind's on football in the shower. That's where the best ideas pop up.

I like that. I like that. I haven't heard that one before.

Yeah, and this stems from John Shoup, who actually coordinated it in Chicago early 2000s. He was a coordinator when I was a senior at North Carolina. Caleb Presley knows him very well. And he used to say, yeah, we want the same things to look different and different things to look the same. And so really that's the starting premise for offensive football.

That's what it was since I took over as a play caller.

That's right. Okay. That's right. I got it now. I think. Yeah. I think. That's right.

Very important. Yeah. Yeah. You know, I was very fortunate to be around some good ones over my career. And I think the best ones, what they do is they elevate the players around them. And so really, they've been the tone setters, the best offenses I've been a part of, the best teams I've been on. That running back position has really been vital in terms of getting the game going.

When things are going in a lull, which will happen from time to time, get it in his hands and he'll pick us back up again. And so, no, the running back position is huge.

We, we, uh, he, no, you're right. He's super intelligent.

Yeah. And, uh, I've learned a ton from him. Each week was its own entity, though. And so it wasn't like you went into the season saying, hey, every fourth and two, we're always going to go for it. That was not the case. It just depended on the week, the opponent, how aggressive they were, the weather. There's all kinds of factors that come into play.

And so going into the game, yeah, he would have shared that information with me of – man, once we hit midfield, if you can make it fourth and three or less, then you're going to have a green light.

And then over the course of the game, once we hit that range, he would be in my headset and tell me, hey, you got four downs here, which would tell me, oh, I just got to make this fourth and three or less. Right, right. And so what that allowed me to do as a play caller was we ran the ball a shit ton on third down.

You know, to make it into those manageable situations. And a lot of those runs we ended up converting anyways because that's actually the best time to run the ball.

So it was – I think that was his whole grand scheme. Mm-hmm. You know, there's a lot of science behind it. He contains multitudes.

Yeah. And that was the play style there, too. So the players knew it. The players knew exactly what we were getting into, not only on offense, but also on defense. They knew, well, there's a chance that we're not going to convert. And now they're going to have to defend a short field or something like that.

You know, the buy in is so important to any team that you're a part of. And fortunately, there in Detroit, there's a lot of player buy in.

in hindsight it should have been that yeah because that was fun but uh no he threw the ball probably half a dozen times the previous three weeks in practice dimes every single time oh wow dimes every single time put it right on the money on you're talking about 330 pounds running probably 15 miles an hour to his right and throwing it right on the money Yeah.

I don't know if I've seen a more athletic movement. Yeah.

I like to call them.

Yeah. If you need it, you call it.

That's good.

What 45-yard line?

You said I don't need to answer this. You don't have to answer this.

Okay.

It's just the me gloating. Worked out well for Washington.

Can I not just give a body part instead?

Yeah. Which body part would you sacrifice? I've got the three kids. My wife is already telling me what I should do next. So I guess we can go with testicles. That works. Done.

Allegedly. Allegedly.

Okay. And so I probably could get 405 right now. Whoa.

What do I look like?

Oh, thank you.

Yeah, once a week. Okay.

No, no. But they've seen me. They've seen me occasionally. Yeah, you got to let them see you.

Listen, I'm no Campbell or Vrabel. I can tell you that right now. Yeah, I mean, those guys are awesome. Dan Campbell. Yeah, something else.

No, listen, I think when you go from coordinator to head coach, you're looking for a great situation. And that's what I felt like Chicago had to offer. I felt really strongly about the ownership, George McCaskey, President Kevin Warren, Ryan Poles, obviously. I felt really strongly about that setup. And I felt like we could win not only in the near future, but long term as well.

But just as a consequence, it ended up being in the division. Is it ideal? Probably not because I have a lot of love and respect for those guys that I just came from, but it'll make a couple Sundays each year a little bit more fun.

Yeah, I experienced it when I was in Miami. Gase was the head coach, and he was calling it. Listen, what I've done, what I've tried to do at least when bringing all these guys together is – What are my strengths and my weaknesses and trying to score up all my weaknesses? So I know on game day, I'm going to have a lot going on.

And that's where having Dennis Allen in the building and on the sideline is going to be huge relief because he's been there. He's done that. I have a lot of trust in what he can do on that side of the ball. Richard Hightower is a carryover. Coach for special teams. He's got a lot of skins on the wall. Highly respected special teams coordinator.

And then there'll be a game management portion that's up in the booth that'll have to be my eyes up top to help navigate some of those processes so that we don't fall into some traps there at the end of the game.

Well, it's all about the people you put around you.

yeah that's what it comes yeah help us 28 guys that you have on your staff yeah we got we got a great mix of uh of experience and and energy and uh i think idea guys so i i feel really good about where we're at are you an acronym guy do you have an acronym no no acronyms okay love that love that that's a great answer that's a great answer dog guy not an acronym guy love that okay uh uh

I would say it's less about me and it's more about the quarterback. So with Caleb being a second year player. And everything that that entails, he's still – I thought he had a productive first year in terms of exposure of a lot of things that can go on.

But to help him out the most here going forward, I do think we need a strong presence at center, smart player that can help set the table from a run game and pass protection perspective.

like to your defense coordinator some ideas that you can pass along be like hey if I want to stop this here's what I would do yeah yeah we'll have those conversations and uh certainly within the division I already have a good feel with some of these teams in the division what what may or may not be good ways to go yeah do you hate the Packers I don't like the Packers yeah he's

No, I don't know him like that.

Listen, it's a friendly rivalry going on, so it'll be fun.

It's another tool. So, I mean, it's the first exposure we get personality and football intelligence with the formal interviews. So just another tool, but yeah, I'd say the end all be all is the tape. Yeah. Yeah.

That is a good question. I don't know if I have the answer for that one. Has it been like longer than a week?

You don't sneak off a little tape? You go private browser when you're in the bathroom looking at some tape? Incognito mode. Yeah, incognito mode.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, shoot. Probably 40.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I mean, particularly during the season, but off-season, it adds up.

Yeah, that's where those ideas pop up. You know, last offseason about the laterals. And then we had some other cool stuff with Lyman splits, moving them around and things like that. So, yeah, you kind of collect that as you're watching everything.

No, I mean, the best example would have been that stumble bomb play from Jared. I actually wanted him to put the ball on the ground. That's insane. He's the one that told me, I don't know if that's the best idea. So, yeah. I mean, really, the players will start bringing us back down to earth. Yeah.

No, he said no way.

Yeah. So it depends on the opponent. Yeah. Yeah. Some weeks you'll say, hey, we need one each quarter. Other weeks it might be a little bit more conservative than that.

But yeah.

Yeah.

I like it.

It's like the fake flea flicker run. Yeah. Yes. Right? Yes. But just the special teams run. Yes. I love it. Fake punt-punt. Now we're talking.

Always.

Uh, okay. Why not? It's just been feast or famine. Yeah. I like a little bit more consistency. Okay. I like that. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But there's a time and place. Sure. I like to dabble.

Yes.

I did not know that. The Low Man Trophy. Yeah.

Really? Yeah. How many NFL teams have fullbacks? Not enough. Not a lot. Probably count them on one hand at this point.

Chicago bear football. Yeah, bear weather is great. It's going to be a weapon for us. Yes. Get some of these dome teams in December and January. It would be perfect.

Depends on the week. Depends on the week. That's not every week. Yeah. There's different ways to win.

Yeah.

Well, I think it started with... having that first round by the years prior, you know, didn't have the ability to really think through some things. And so we had some time off and all all four interviews that I took, I was able to actually think about going into a little bit. And so I had a very good feel that this is the direction I wanted to go.

I'm not saying necessarily Chicago at that point, but I knew I wanted to be a head coach this cycle. Um, and then once I got on the interview and it just, it absolutely clicked with Chicago and the leadership group and, uh, Ryan, I love Ryan. Um, I felt really strongly about, about that place.

And so that's right when that happened, it got off the call and it was like, this is where, this is where I want to go. And so, um, You know, the season ended in such an abrupt fashion. Give Washington a lot of credit because because they did. They earned that that thing. But, you know, it was really planning on on going deep in the playoffs there and making it to the Super Bowl.

So it was a tough way to go out. And, you know, it all escalated very quickly after that. You know, had about 48 hours of exit meetings and everything. And then and then, yeah, it was this is what's going on. And let's go ahead and get it done. Yeah.

The players come in, they have their physicals and just make sure they're healthy. And then they'll meet as a team offense with your position coaches. And then some guys would come, come by my office as well as the coordinator and just, you know, what do I need to work on or things like that?

Yeah. I mean, it's a, it's a, it's a crappy time.

Yeah. 31 teams. It's just, it's the worst day of the year.

Yeah, it wasn't really part of my thought process.

Well, AI. AI. AI said two circles in 10 years.

Yes.

No. You didn't? No. Here's what happened is we found a house, and then my wife all of a sudden, she's like, well, I want to redo the kitchen. I want to redo the bathroom. All right, so that counts? Yeah. That counts as buying something? Yeah. That's where it's going initially. OK.

I need to put on some weight. I lose it during the season. I was down about 10, 15 pounds by the end of the year. That happens every year for me. Is that just stress? I don't know what it is. Maybe. Okay. Yeah. I need that diet.

Keep squatting four or five, man. What do you bench? Not, not nearly as much. Okay. You know, Norwegian, Scandinavian. So I got the thick lowers. What, what, what was your peak squat? Peak squat, uh, was probably like four 55. Yeah.

Yeah.

I can't get there. I'm nowhere near that now, though. What are you doing on calf raises? I could crush you in captures.

I think you not only have to win multiple Super Bowls. I think you got to get the trifecta. I think you got to get three in a row. Okay. Yeah.

I like where your head's at. I got his number.

That was my pregame routine. That's right.

Would he call this reversing?

Let's go win.

I love it.