Bears Coach Praises Coby Bryant's 'It Factor' to Lead Defense

Ben Johnson sees the new safety as a 'tone-setter' and 'trained killer' who can change the identity of the Chicago defense.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:18am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a safety making a hard tackle, with the player's body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a dynamic, fragmented composition.A new defensive leader emerges as the Bears look to rebuild their secondary.Chicago Today

After losing star safeties Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker, the Chicago Bears signed former Seahawks safety Coby Bryant to a three-year, $40 million deal. Head coach Ben Johnson is already raving about Bryant's leadership abilities, saying he has the 'it factor' to become one of the emotional engines of the defense.

Why it matters

The Bears' secondary was gutted in the offseason, and they needed to find a player who could not only fill the void on the field, but also provide the leadership and presence that Byard and Brisker brought to the locker room. Johnson's praise of Bryant suggests the Bears believe they've found that player.

The details

Johnson revealed that during defensive self-scout sessions, the coaching staff identified the need for 'trained killers' on the defense - players with a specific edge and intensity. When they watched Seattle's tape, Coby Bryant jumped off the screen with his downhill, violent, and decisive play style, which is exactly the temperament defensive coordinator Dennis Allen wants the Bears' defense to adopt.

  • Coby Bryant signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the Bears in March 2026.

The players

Ben Johnson

The head coach of the Chicago Bears.

Coby Bryant

A 27-year-old safety who the Bears signed in free agency after he spent his first four NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he became a full-time starter and made a Super Bowl run.

Dennis Allen

The defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears.

Kevin Byard III

The former starting safety for the Chicago Bears, who led the NFL in interceptions in 2025.

Jaquan Brisker

The former starting safety for the Chicago Bears.

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What they’re saying

“Holy cow! this guy has the IT factor to him.”

— Ben Johnson, Head Coach

“The best defenses have two or three 'trained killers.'”

— Ben Johnson, Head Coach

“Bryant's personality is going to 'rub off' on the defense.”

— Ben Johnson, Head Coach

What’s next

The Bears will be closely watching Coby Bryant's leadership and impact on the defense throughout the offseason and training camp as they look to rebuild their secondary.

The takeaway

The Bears are banking on Coby Bryant's intensity, physicality, and leadership abilities to help transform their defense in 2026 after losing two key starters in the secondary. Head coach Ben Johnson's glowing praise suggests the team believes Bryant has the 'it factor' to become a tone-setter and emotional engine for the unit.