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Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson gets brutally honest on 2025 playoff expectations

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Jan 22, 2025 1:16 PM ET

New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has sights set on continuing his dominance over Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers, but cautions fans not to let expectations get too out of control too quickly.

The Bears haven’t made the postseason since 2020 and have reached the playoffs just twice since 2011, so it’s easy for Chicago fans to not only be frustrated by the state of the franchise and a bit giddy at the possibilities that could be ahead with the most coveted hire this cycle taking over inside Halas Hall.

But, during his introductory press conference, Johnson asked for patience.

Why Ben Johnson isn’t calling this season ‘Playoffs or bust’ for Chicago Bears

In a division where Johnson’s former team, the Detroit Lions, came two victories shy of a Super Bowl appearance and that sent three teams to the postseason, the Bears’ new head man understands there are no quick-fixes and this might not be an overnight turnaround.

“It’s not going to look like it did in Detroit,” Johnson told reporters.

According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, Johnson made a point to note how the personnel in Chicago looks “completely different” than it did in Detroit.

While the pieces might not be in place for a quick turnaround like the Lions experienced under head coach Dan Campbell, or the sudden Washington Commanders renaissance this season, there’s a reason Johnson took this job and plenty of hope that the future is bright in Chicago.

Johnson now gets the opportunity to call plays for Williams, a year removed from helping Jared Goff become the NFL’s second-leading passer, and implement his scheme around a former No. 1 overall pick at quarterback and playmakers such as wide receivers D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen, and versatile running back D’Andre Swift.

While Johnson hopes fans don’t look at the Lions as a model, he suggests that there’s no reason the players can’t make that goal a realistic possibility.

“There’s no question it can happen in 2025,” Johnson told reporters. “Depends how hard we’re willing to sacrifice and how hard we’re willing to work.”