From 5-12 to NFC North Champs: The Chicago Bears’ Stunning Turnaround Under Ben Johnson
Let’s rewind for a moment. The 2024 Chicago Bears were, by just about every metric, a letdown.
A 5-12 finish. A rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams who showed flashes but was clearly still adjusting.
A fanbase growing restless. And a front office under pressure to prove it had the right pieces in place.
Fast-forward to now, and the picture couldn’t be more different. The Bears didn’t just bounce back-they flipped the script on the entire NFC. With a new head coach in Ben Johnson, Chicago doubled its win total, took the NFC North crown in unexpected fashion, and now finds itself just one game away from the NFC Championship.
Yes, really.
This is the kind of turnaround that doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s the product of bold decisions, calculated risks, and a coaching hire that already looks like a franchise-altering move.
Ben Johnson’s Impact: Immediate and Lasting
When Ryan Poles went searching for a new head coach, the stakes were sky-high. Another misstep, and his own job might’ve been on the line. Instead, he landed Ben Johnson-and so far, it looks like he nailed it.
What Johnson has done in just one season is nothing short of remarkable. He took an offense that ranked 28th in points per game in 2024 and turned it into a top-10 unit in 2025. That’s not just a glow-up-that’s a transformation.
The improvement isn’t just about scheme, either. Johnson’s fingerprints are all over the roster.
He played a key role in bringing in new offensive talent, and the results speak for themselves. The Bears now boast a young, dynamic offense with a strong line up front, versatile weapons, and a quarterback who’s starting to look more and more like the guy they drafted No. 1 overall.
Caleb Williams: Settling In and Showing Growth
Speaking of that quarterback-Caleb Williams looks different this year. More poised.
More confident. More in command.
It’s not just about stats or highlight throws (though there have been plenty). It’s the way Williams is reading defenses, staying calm under pressure, and leading late-game comebacks.
That fourth-quarter magic we’ve seen this season? That’s not luck-that’s growth.
And while 2026 may be the year where he truly breaks out, what we’re seeing right now is the foundation of something special.
A Defense That Bends… and Bends… But Still Finds a Way
Now, let’s be clear: the defense isn’t carrying this team. The Bears rank 23rd in points allowed per game, and there’s no sugarcoating that. They’ve got holes at every level, and it’s an area that will need serious attention in the offseason.
But here’s the thing-they’ve still found ways to win. This defense may give up yards and points, but it also creates turnovers and delivers just enough when it matters most. That’s a testament to coaching and to a group that plays with grit, even when the numbers aren’t pretty.
A Season Already Worth Celebrating
No matter what happens in the Divisional Round, this season is already a win for Chicago. The Bears have gone from bottom-feeders to legitimate contenders in the span of a year.
They’ve found their head coach. Their quarterback is developing.
The offense is young and dangerous. And the culture?
It feels different now-like a team that believes it can win, not just someday, but right now.
A Super Bowl run would be the cherry on top. But even if the ride ends this weekend, the 2025 Bears have already delivered something far more valuable: belief.
In the direction. In the leadership.
In the future.
And for a franchise that’s spent years searching for the right formula, that might be the biggest win of all.