Ben Johnson completely changes Chicago Bears training camp plan

Ben Johnson has already made plenty of changes since becoming head coach of the Chicago Bears. When training camp rolls around, Johnson is planning another one.

As the head coach gets acclimated to the Bears, every phase of the offseason is crucial. However, training camp will give him the best opportunity to see the team at large. He’ll be able to evaluate the entire roster and understand what holes still need to be patched up.

To Johnson, it seems the best way to do that is going up against live competition. The Bears will be holding joint practices with both the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, via Adam Hoge of CHGO. With the Bills being feature on this year’s Hard Knocks, fans will get an up close look at their preparations against the Bears.

Fun training camp update:

The #Bears will hold joint practices with BOTH the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills in August.

Notable: The Bills are on Hard Knocks this summer.

— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) May 22, 2025

Ben Johnson amps up Chicago Bears training camp

It’s common for teams to hold join practices. The Bears partnered with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. However, it’s pretty uncommon to hold two joint practices. However, Johnson is open to trying new ideas as he begins his tenure with the Bears.

Practicing against the Bills allows them to get some camera time on Hard Knocks. But Buffalo is a foe Chicago can learn a lot from. Quarterback Josh Allen is the reigning MVP while the Bills have been to the playoffs every year since 2019. As the Bears try to craft their own postseason path, the Bills are a valuable team to practice against.

As are the Dolphins. While Tua Tagovailoa’s health has complicated matters, Miami has still been to the playoffs two out of their last three seasons. Furthermore, Miami had the best offense in the league in 2023, averaging 401.3 YPG. While they may now be two years removed from that campaign, the Dolphins still pose a difficult challenge to the Bears’ up and coming defense.

Overall, Johnson is going to carve his own path as he becomes head coach. He has had some strong mentors along the way and has stocked his coaching staff with trusted minds. But in the end, Johnson must figure out what does and doesn’t work as an NFL head coach.

His first training camp will be telling for the remainder of his tenure with the team. How he runs practice, and how the players respond, will ultimately come alive once the games start to count. If Johnson values competing against other teams, then everyone on the Bears should be prepared for a battle all training camp.

Overall, training camp will be a crucial time for everyone in Chicago. The buzz surrounding the Bears has reached its pinnacle with fans and analysts expecting a revival. If Johnson has the team prepared and playing up to his standards heading into Week 1, his time in the Windy City will start on a high note.