Chicago Bears leader reveals how Ben Johnson sparked turnaround

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 4:29 PM ET

The Chicago Bears‘ worst-to-first turnaround in the NFC North was one of the biggest storylines across the NFL this season.

Quarterback Caleb Williams nearly became the first quarterback in franchise history to pass for over 4,000 yards while guiding a franchise record six comeback victories in the regular season, en route to a division title and playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card round.

There’s a throughline between head coach Ben Johnson’s arrival, his impact on Caleb Williams’ development, and the Bears becoming an instant contender in 2025.

Chicago Bears’ Rome Odunze reveals Ben Johnson’s biggest impact

Aug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Second-year Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze revealed that Johnson’s leadership was a driving force behind Chicago’s turnaround this season.

“I honestly I feel like I learned from the first time he stepped into the building who he was and I learned who he wasn’t,” wide receiver Rome Odunze said, according to ESPN. “He’s been consistent throughout the entire season with his goals for us and with his determination and how he leads, where he wants this organization to go. He’s been super consistent with that, so I think that’s something that, honestly, is a great thing.

“It hasn’t been something that you have to continue to like try and judge or feel out. From the day he stepped in, he wants this organization to be great and he leads by example and vocally and that essence.”

With the division title and a playoff victory already in the rearview, the 2025 season served as the ultimate proof of concept for Ben Johnson’s leadership.

By instilling a culture of unwavering consistency and accountability, Johnson hasn’t just given the Bears a winning season, he has finally given Chicago an identity to believe in for the long haul, and a reason to believe that sustained shots at a Super Bowl are well within reach.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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