Ben Johnson — Chicago Bears Head Coach
Head coach of the Chicago Bears for the 2026 season. Led the team to an 11-6 record and NFC North title in his first year (2025), the most successful debut in franchise history in the playoff era.
Quick Facts
- Role: Head Coach
- Team: Chicago Bears (CHI)
- Current holder: Ben Johnson (hired 2025 offseason)
- Coaching tree: Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles — former offensive coordinator
Background
Served as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator from 2019-2023 under Dan Campbell, helping transform a struggling franchise. Came to Chicago in 2025 to be the head coach, tasked with helping second-year QB Caleb Williams develop. Immediately delivered with an 11-6 record and playoff win, overseeing one of the most dramatic single-year offensive improvements in the league (1,462 more yards than 2024).
Scheme and Tendencies
Offensive-minded head coach who tailors schemes to his quarterback's skillset. With Caleb Williams, Johnson's playbook has evolved from his Detroit Lions system (built around Jared Goff's strengths) to emphasize Williams' mobility and decision-making. Maintains a strong running game with D'Andre Swift as a centerpiece, while building a pass-heavy conceptual foundation. Bears offense posted top-10 efficiency in 2025 and is expected to improve further with a full year of familiarity in 2026. Faces challenge of maintaining momentum despite losing WR DJ Moore to trade and significant defensive attrition (per Chicago Bears 2026 Training Camp Preview: It's All About Caleb Williams).
2026 Outlook
The Bears' 2026 success will largely depend on Johnson's ability to continue maximizing Caleb Williams while navigating a significantly tougher offseason and regular season. The receiving corps has changed substantially with DJ Moore's departure, requiring Johnson to adjust his schemes around remaining options (Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, Cole Kmet, Coleston Loveland). A historically poor winning percentage (only the 2017 Rams improved after an 11+ win jump) suggests caution, though Johnson's scheme flexibility and the team's defensive additions provide some hope. Division rivals Green Bay, Minnesota, and Detroit are all expected to improve in 2026, making this a critical year for Johnson to prove his first-year success was sustainable (per Chicago Bears 2026 Training Camp Preview: It's All About Caleb Williams).
Recent News
- 2026-05-28 — Chicago Bears 2026 Training Camp Preview: It's All About Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears 2026 Training Camp Preview: It's All About Caleb Williams)
Sources
- Chicago Bears 2026 Training Camp Preview: It's All About Caleb Williams