Ben Johnson's debut season as head coach of the Chicago Bears was nothing short of spectacular. Taking the helm in 2025, he immediately led the team to an NFC North title and a playoff victory over the arch-rival Green Bay Packers, instantly energizing a fanbase hungry for success.
His impact was most evident in the dramatic turnaround of the offense, particularly in the development of quarterback Caleb Williams. Under Johnson's guidance, Williams' sack total plummeted from 68 to a mere 24, while the offensive efficiency skyrocketed. The unit jumped from 26th to 7th in EPA per play and leaped from 28th to 9th in scoring, putting up 131 more points than the previous season.
This instant success has sparked a compelling debate: does Ben Johnson already rank among the NFL's top 10 head coaches? A recent NBC Sports ranking placed him at No. 13, acknowledging his phenomenal first year while adopting a cautious, big-picture view. Analyst Patrick Daugherty praised Johnson's holistic approach, noting he's "the rare offensive-minded coach who doesn’t just call plays but sets the tone for all 53 of his players."
However, the ranking also points to the challenges ahead, suggesting the Bears benefited from several close wins and that "regression comes for even the best." The true test for Johnson and this rising Bears squad will be sustaining this high level of performance. Can they build on their divisional crown and prove this success is a foundation, not a fluke? For Bears fans, Johnson's first act has been a thrill ride, and the anticipation for the next chapter is building by the day.