Chicago Bears Coach Ben Johnson to Implement ’13 Personnel’ Strategy with Trio of Tight Ends
Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson is poised to revolutionize his offense by strategically utilizing three highly talented tight ends: Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, and Sam Roush. This approach, known as '13 personnel,' aims to create unpredictable offensive schemes that exploit…
Chicago, IL, August 4, 2026 —
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is set to introduce a new offensive strategy centered around the “13 personnel” formation, which features three tight ends on the field simultaneously. This approach is expected to bring a new level of unpredictability to the Bears’ offense.
The core of this strategy involves the utilization of tight ends Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, and Sam Roush. By deploying multiple tight ends, Johnson aims to create mismatches and exploit defensive vulnerabilities across both the running and passing game. The “13 personnel” formation is designed to present defenses with complex looks, forcing them to make difficult decisions regarding personnel and coverage.
This offensive scheme draws comparisons to the successful strategies employed by Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay. McVay’s offenses have frequently been lauded for their creativity and effectiveness in using multiple tight ends to control games and generate explosive plays. Johnson’s adoption of a similar philosophy suggests a move towards a more modern and adaptable offensive playbook for the Bears.
The strategic deployment of three tight ends offers a variety of advantages. In the running game, the additional blockers can create wider lanes and provide better protection. In the passing game, tight ends can serve as reliable targets in the short to intermediate routes, while also being a threat downfield. The versatility of having multiple tight ends allows for various formations and play-action opportunities, further complicating defensive preparations.
The success of this “13 personnel” approach will depend on the execution and adaptability of the players involved, as well as the opposing defenses’ ability to counter the formation. The Bears will look to leverage the skills of Kmet, Loveland, and Roush to establish a more dynamic and effective offensive unit throughout the upcoming season.
Story summarized from the original created by Jason Lieser on chicago.suntimes.com, see more information here.
