For Chicago Bears fans, the 2025 season was a thrilling ride. But for head coach Ben Johnson, it was just the beginning.
The Bears finished with an 11-6 record, clinching the NFC North title and taking down the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card. Yet, when Johnson spoke at the NFL Combine, he made it clear that he wasn't content with just reaching the playoffs.
“We fell short of our ultimate goal, which was the championship," Johnson remarked. "We didn’t do enough. We have to do more than we did last year.”
This mindset is precisely what the Bears need from their head coach. Johnson appreciates the team's strong finish to the season but knows there's a bigger prize at stake: the Super Bowl.
As the offseason kicks in, Chicago's first task is to navigate their salary cap situation, as they find themselves $4 million over the limit. This means some tough decisions are on the horizon, potentially involving cuts or trades of key players like linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, tight end Cole Kmet, and wide receiver DJ Moore.
Next up, Johnson and GM Ryan Poles have their sights set on bolstering the defense. With four starters in the secondary heading into free agency, and the need for a top-tier edge rusher, they have their work cut out for them. The Bears have been linked to big names like Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson, but securing such talent will require financial maneuvering.
Johnson's commitment to pushing the Bears beyond their 2025 achievements is clear. The road to a championship is never easy, but with a focused strategy and some savvy offseason moves, Chicago could be on the brink of something special.