Ben Johnson’s first year at the helm in Chicago didn’t just change the Bears’ trajectory - it may have redefined it.
Taking over a team that limped to a 5-12 finish in 2024 and endured a brutal 10-game losing streak, Johnson engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent NFL memory. Fast forward to the end of the 2025 season, and the Bears are NFC North champions with an 11-6 record and a playoff win over division rival Green Bay to show for it.
That kind of leap doesn’t go unnoticed - and it didn’t. Johnson is now officially a finalist for AP Coach of the Year, joining a shortlist that includes Liam Coen (Jaguars), Mike Macdonald (Seahawks), Kyle Shanahan (49ers), and Mike Vrabel (Patriots).
And let’s be clear: Johnson’s nomination isn’t just a pat on the back - it’s a recognition of a full-scale transformation.
The most dramatic shift came on offense, specifically in the ground game. The Bears went from near the bottom of the league in rushing to a top-five unit in just one season.
That’s not just scheme - that’s infrastructure. Johnson and his staff rebuilt the offensive line from the ground up, inserting four new starters.
Two of those linemen earned All-Pro honors, a testament to both talent evaluation and coaching development.
But the real headline? Caleb Williams.
The rookie quarterback came into the league with sky-high expectations, and under Johnson’s guidance, he didn’t just meet them - he pushed the ceiling even higher. Williams set a new Bears franchise record for passing yards in a single season and came within 100 yards of the elusive 4,000-yard milestone - a number no Chicago quarterback has ever hit.
More than the stats, though, was the poise. Williams led an NFL-record seven comeback wins and game-winning drives this season.
That’s not just talent - that’s trust, confidence, and preparation. Johnson put his quarterback in position to win, week in and week out, and Williams delivered.
This is not the same team that struggled under Matt Eberflus over the previous three seasons. There’s a new identity in Chicago - one built on balance, resilience, and belief.
Johnson didn’t just coach better football; he instilled a new culture. And now, with a playoff win under their belt and momentum heading into 2026, the Bears aren’t just a feel-good story.
They’re a legitimate contender.
Coach of the Year? He’s earned the nomination. But more importantly for Chicago - he’s earned the belief of a franchise that’s been waiting a long time for a leader like this.