Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams dubbed Bears' biggest reason for optimism

TL;DR

The Chicago Bears are optimistic for the 2026 season, thanks to first-year head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams set a franchise record for passing yards in a season, and their partnership is seen as key to the team's future success.

Key points

Chicago Bears won the NFC North in 2025
Ben Johnson is the first-year head coach
Caleb Williams set a franchise record for passing yards
Bears lost in the NFC divisional playoffs to the Rams
Johnson and Williams' partnership is a reason for optimism

Mentioned in this story

Ben JohnsonCaleb Williams

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Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams dubbed Bears' biggest reason for optimism

The Chicago Bears will enter the 2026 season looking to build off their success from last year, where they won the NFC North for the first time since 2018, led by first-year head coach Ben Johnson.

Hiring Johnson was the biggest key for the Bears going into last season, pairing him with quarterback Caleb Williams, unlocking the former No. 1 overall pick's potential in just one season. Williams set a Bears franchise record for most passing yards in a single season, breaking a record that had been held by Erik Kramer for 30 years.

Moving into 2026, Chicago's expectations are to improve on their year which ended in an NFC divisional playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but the pairing of Williams and his head coach continues to provide hope for the future. Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports named the relationship between Williams and Johnson as the biggest reason of optimism for Chicago.

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Q&A

What record did Caleb Williams break for the Chicago Bears?

Caleb Williams set a Bears franchise record for the most passing yards in a single season, breaking a 30-year-old record held by Erik Kramer.

Who is the head coach of the Chicago Bears for the 2026 season?

Ben Johnson is the head coach of the Chicago Bears for the 2026 season.

What were the Chicago Bears' achievements in the previous season?

The Chicago Bears won the NFC North for the first time since 2018 and reached the NFC divisional playoffs.

Why are the Bears optimistic about the 2026 season?

The Bears are optimistic due to the successful pairing of head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams, which is expected to unlock further potential.