How Has the Bears Head Coach Elevated the Franchise Heading Into 2026?
Nearly every team in the league has its eyes set on winning its division and having success in the playoffs. However, few franchises have the talent to achieve that. For the first time in many years, this threshold is a realistic ceiling for the Bears in 2026. One of the biggest reasons for this is Ben Johnson, who had a successful start to his career in Chicago by winning the NFC North last year. His impact extends far beyond his on-field production, as the franchise has achieved a level of recognition it has lacked for many years. Now, the head coach will look to build on his success and continue to bring the Bears to the next level by winning the Super Bowl.
On-Field Production
Obviously, the primary job of a head coach is to improve the team every year, and that is exactly what Johnson has done. In 2024, the final year under Matt Eberflus, the Bears were in a rough spot. They went 5-12 and finished last place in the division. Each week was full of disappointment and poor play. Nothing went right, and it was difficult to find positives about the team. That was until Chicago landed one of the top head coaching candidates.
The Bears immediately saw the aggressive coaching move pay off. Chicago went 11-6, which earned them the second seed in the NFC. The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator proved himself as one of the top playcallers in the league, bringing creativity that not many other teams had. The offense carried the team and, with young talent, could continue to see growth. While the defense had a rough year, they have put a lot of work into improving it. It is hard to say if they are truly ready to compete with the best that the NFC has to offer, but they do have the talent to achieve that.
Media Recognition
Moving off the field, the Bears' head coach also elevated the franchise in numerous ways. One of the main ways this has been shown is the increase in primetime games. Heading into 2026, the Bears will play on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and, as of now, five primetime games. This national coverage helps bring new eyes to the franchise and the team, hopefully increasing interest from fans. Now, Chicago has gone from being an unwatchable team to one that is exciting to follow.
The increased interest from players is another benefit. Chicago has brought in far more talent than usual, like Coby Bryant. This shows that players are starting to believe in Johnson's ability to build winning teams. Combining this with having a franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams makes the Bears an intriguing option for free agents. Even the current athletes on the team are receiving extra recognition, with multiple being mentioned in ESPN’s positional rankings, which were decided on by league executives, coaches, and scouts.
The Bears' head coach has changed the perception of the team in just one season. Expectations have shifted from simply hoping to compete to believing Chicago can contend for a championship. His leadership has not only improved the team's performance but also restored credibility to one of the NFL's most historic franchises. If the Bears continue building on the foundation Johnson has established, they could remain among the league's top contenders for years to come. After years of frustration, Chicago finally has a head coach who has the franchise headed in the right direction.
