(670 The Score) Bears tight end Cole Kmet sat in the front row for new head coach Ben Johnson' introductory press conference Wednesday at Halas Hall.
Kmet sat alongside quarterback Caleb Williams, receiver DJ Moore and receiver Rome Odunze, taking in Johnson’s message that at times was directed toward Bears players.
A team captain with the Bears last season, Kmet is eager to see what change Johnson can bring.
“It’s a sign that we’re trying to win, and we’re trying to win now,” Kmet told the Spiegel & Holmes Show on Thursday.
“Obviously, the bar here is going to be very high. There’s going to be a high standard and a lot of expectations here this season.”
Johnson, 38, was the Lions’ offensive coordinator for the past three seasons. He was considered the most coveted coaching candidate available in this hiring cycle.
Following the Bears’ 5-12 season in 2024, Johnson understands that part of his role of his job is to lead a culture change.
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable,” Johnson said Wednesday in a message directed at his players. “The bar has been set higher than it’s ever been set before. The only way for this team and for you as individual players to reach your potential is to be pushed and to be challenged, and that’s exactly what I and my staff plan on doing. We’re going to push. We’re going to challenge.
“Everybody in this building is going to be all about helping you guys out. How do you become the best versions of yourselves? That’s what it’s going to be about from start to finish.”