Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

NFL Head Coach Regrets Controversial Halftime Interview Sunday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 1:39 PM ET

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson expressed regret over a contentious on-field interview during their Week 4 win.

At halftime, CBS Sports sideline reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala asked Johnson about his offense turning three takeaways into six points. He cut her off before completing the inquiry to say his group hasn't "done anything."

"It wasn't our brand of football. We're capable of a lot more," Johnson said he told his team. "We're hitting the reset button here at halftime, and we're going to come back and establish our identity here in the second half."

Kinkhabwala responded to ask if he needs to "change what you're doing," leading to a curt reply from Johnson.

"I don't know, you think so?" Johnson answered. "We're going to be just fine."

Johnson discusses exchange

Sep 14, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images© Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Johnson addressed the moment during Monday's press conference.

"In the moment, I honestly didn't think too much of it," Johnson said. "I'm kind of in game mode. But when I look back at it, I am a little bit disappointed with what that looks like."

The 39-year-old explained that a miscommunication caused his frustration with Kinkhabwala's follow-up.

"I didn't hear very well, and that's not an excuse," Johnson continued. "But when I thought I heard that it was not a question, but I needed to make some changes, I didn't take that very well. So I'll do a better job with those going forward."

Bears bounced back in second half

Chicago appeared to make those necessary second-half changes. The Bears entered the intermission trailing 14-9, but they left Las Vegas with a 25-24 victory.

Geno Smith began the third quarter by throwing his third interception. This time, the Bears capitalized by scoring a go-ahead touchdown.

Down by five later in the fourth quarter, Caleb Williams led an 11-play, 69-yard touchdown drive culminating in a go-ahead D'Andre Swift rushing touchdown with 1:34 remaining. The Bears blocked Daniel Carlson's attempt at a game-winning 54-yard field goal in the closing minute to give Johnson his first road win as a head coach.

Chicago follows consecutive wins with a Week 5 bye before returning to face the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: