Bears coach backs Mike Tomlin's 'do what comes natural' response to spitting controversy

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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson backed Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin ahead of the teams’ matchup this weekend after Tomlin appeared to defend cornerback Jalen Ramsey’s actions following last weekend’s spitting controversy. 

Speaking to reporters before hosting Pittsburgh on Sunday, the first-year NFL head coach was complimentary of his counterpart’s success in the league. Johnson spoke at length about Tomlin before touching on his recent remarks about Ramsey’s ejection from the team’s Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin calls timeout in the second quarter of the NFL Week 11 game between the Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. The Steelers led 10-6 at halftime. (IMAGN)

"The fact that he hadn’t had a losing season. It’s incredible. It’s absolutely incredible to think that he’s been a head coach as long as he has and just keeps churning out wins," Johnson began.

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"He sets the bar very high, and nothing but respect for him. How he goes about his business, he holds his players accountable – I think you saw it even this week with some of the quotes talking about a player getting spit at. His reaction to it, I mean, he’s 100% right as far as I’m concerned."

Johnson went on to say that Tomlin "hit the nail on the head" in discussing the incident that involved Ramsey grabbing Ja’Marr Chase’s facemask before punching him. Ramsey accused the star receiver of spitting on him, prompting his physical response. 

Ramsey was ejected, but Chase was later