Every Chicago Bears fan can tell that something feels different about this year’s team compared to the 2024 squad — and that difference starts with their new head coach, Ben Johnson. The first-year head coach has quickly injected life into a once-struggling franchise, guiding the Bears to an impressive 5-3 record and helping them win five of their last six games. Suddenly, Chicago is not just competing — they’re right in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt.
Johnson’s leadership has transformed the Bears both on and off the field. From his play-calling to his roster management, everything he’s done has revolved around building a winning culture. The team plays with confidence, unity, and toughness — three traits that were sorely lacking in recent years. When Johnson spoke to reporters earlier this week, he offered insight into what’s fueling this turnaround.
“We have a really strong locker room,” Johnson said. “Normally you have some bad apples in there — and we don’t.”
That comment immediately caught attention — and perhaps even raised eyebrows in Detroit. Johnson’s words seemed to subtly reference his former team, the Detroit Lions, where he served as offensive coordinator under Dan Campbell. While Johnson didn’t directly criticize the Lions, his statement could be interpreted as a thinly veiled jab, especially considering his inside knowledge of the Detroit locker room.
Under Campbell, the Lions have earned praise for creating one of the NFL’s most passionate and gritty locker rooms. However, as Johnson may have hinted, strong culture alone hasn’t yet carried Detroit to the Super Bowl. Johnson appears determined to take those lessons learned in Detroit and refine them in Chicago — building a team that’s not only tough but also disciplined and united.
The Bears are far from perfect. Their secondary continues to face inconsistencies, and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is still adapting to the NFL. Yet what stands out about this team is their resilience. When the game is on the line in the fourth quarter, Chicago now believes they can finish — something that couldn’t be said a year ago.
Johnson’s ability to create a locker room free of distractions and full of purpose has given the Bears a clear identity. They’re young, they’re hungry, and they’re finally learning how to win. If this momentum continues, Ben Johnson may soon turn Chicago into one of the NFC’s most dangerous teams — and possibly make Detroit regret ever letting him go.
