Bears coach Ben Johnson regrets uncomfortable halftime interview with CBS’ Aditi Kinkhabwala

Coach Ben Johnson said Monday that he regrets his contentious halftime interview with CBS reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala during the Bears’ 25-24 victory over the Raiders the previous afternoon.

With the Bears trailing 14-9, having managed just 90 yards of total offense, Johnson was condescending and rude when Kinkhabwala asked about the team’s issues. He said Monday he reacted to what he misheard as her telling him he needed to make changes rather than asking him if he needed to, but he maintained that wasn’t an excuse for how he spoke to her.

“In the moment, I honestly didn’t think too much of it — 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,” he said. “When I thought I heard not a question but [a statement that] I needed to make some changes, I didn’t take that very well. I’ll do a better job with those going forward.”

The interview began with Kinkhabwala trying to ask about the offense’s inability to capitalize on defensive takeaways. Johnson interjected with, “They haven’t done anything. You’re right.”

She followed by asking what he told the team in the locker room.

“That it wasn’t our brand of football, we’re capable of a lot more, so 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,” he answered.

Then it went sideways.

“So you need to change what you’re doing?” Kinkhabwala said.

“I don’t know. You think so?” Johnson said, smiling but serious. “We’re going to be just fine.”

CBS play-by-play broadcaster Spero Dedes described it as “Ben Johnson, all business. A little intimidation — menacing stare.”

The video of the exchange has gotten millions of views on social media, and Johnson has drawn criticism for being condescending, regardless of whether that was his intention.