There may not be any player on the Chicago Bears’ roster that is more familiar with head coach Ben Johnson than running back D’Andre Swift. During all three years Swift was with the Detroit Lions, Johnson was on their coaching staff serving as the tight ends coach in 2020 and 2021 before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022.
Swift has been in the NFL since 2020. After his three years with Detroit, he spent a year with the Philadelphia Eagles before being signed by the Bears in 2024. In his one season with Philadelphia, he had his first 1,000-yard season and made the Pro Bowl. With all the coaches Swift has worked with throughout his NFL career, Swift had high praise for Johnson.
"He’s one of the smartest football minds I’ve been around,”
Swift said, via 104.3 The Score. "He has a great personality, great character about him. He’s actually funny when he wants to be. But he knows when to be serious and get points across."
Being in Johnson’s offense has gone well for Swift in his career. In 2022 with Detroit, Swift had eight total touchdowns and only fumbled once. In Swift’s second year with Johnson calling the offensive plays, which was last season with Chicago, Swift had a career-high of nine touchdowns and over 1,300 scrimmage yards.
This year should be another strong season for Swift with Johnson at the helm. The Bears have three of their offensive linemen from last season returning this year, and left tackle Ozzy Trapilo will eventually come back as well. Chicago also has change-of-pace running back Kyle Monangai returning to keep Swift fresh throughout the year.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: D'Andre Swift: Bears' Ben Johnson is one of 'smartest football minds'
