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Cole Kmet says Bears will have to meet Ben Johnson's expectations

Cole Kmet says Bears will have to meet Ben Johnson's expectations

USA Today27-01-2025

Cole Kmet says Bears will have to meet Ben Johnson's expectations
In the days that have followed since Ben Johnson was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, players on the team have expressed their excitement for their new coach.
One marquee player of the Bears offense who figures to get more involved in 2025 with Johnson at the helm is tight end Cole Kmet, who had little opportunity this past season in a very disappointing outing. Giving his first thoughts to the hiring of Johnson, Kmet stated recently that he believes the coaching move shows the team is in "win now" mode, and has plenty of excitement over his new head coach.
Appearing on "CHGO Bears Podcast," where he also hosts his own "The Eighty Five Podcast," Kmet explained what excites him about Johnson, while also saying that the arrival of their new coach will mean the players have to step up and raise their standards.
"What he's done has been shown the past few years in Detroit and throughout his coaching career," Kmet said of his coach's resume. "It's really exciting stuff and like I said, it's going to be on us to elevate our level, our play, and meet his expectations for what he wants on the offense."
The Bears locker room seemed to have a major disconnect with their former head coach Matt Eberflus throughout the 2024 season, but now with Johnson's persona and credibility, the tone has changed in a big way. With Johnson now the head coach, there's a level of not only excitement, but an understanding that the players will have much higher standards and expectations to meet next season.

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