It appears pundits were a year too early picking the Chicago Bears as the underdog media darlings of the 2024 season. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams hit understandable bumps in the road, and it was clear that the team was still a year away. Needed changes were made, and it appears that now is the time to buy into the Bears' future. If Williams is who the franchise believes the star to be, this franchise is going to challenge for a playoff spot and perhaps become a surprise player in the division. However, the story of the offseason isn't the quarterback but the addition of a star coach who is already changing life in Chicago.
The changes are easy to see with increased excitement and optimism based on a coach who is both creative and unafraid to hold his players accountable. We see this by looking at the staff the former rival offensive coordinator has built. It is one that shows a lack of ego, but is focused on getting the absolute best from the Bears' roster.
Ben Johnson is the Star of the Chicago Bears' 2025 Offseason
One of the biggest moves of Chicago's offseason is the addition of former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. The veteran coach is known for his harsh coaching that demands greatness of his players. This isn't to say there isn't a softer side, but rather the coach is from a different generation who values winning and being prepared above all else. It is the exact type of savvy move the staff needed to add experience and a calming voice for a new head coach.
Johnson brought in veteran coach Dennis Allen as well to take over Chicago's defense. This, along with bringing in an experienced veteran behind Caleb Williams, cannot be understated. These are the type of winning moves the Bears should've attempted to make when first drafting Williams.
Still, it is fair to point out that the coaching staff can only be as good as its players. While the standard is being set, much of the fate of the 2025 season rests solely on the shoulders of Williams' development. Which direction the quarterback goes will prove to be the deciding factor in how this hiring is viewed.
Regardless, there is no denying that Johnson has continued to be the star of Chicago's offseason. Quietly, the coach is installing what appears to be a great staff and a culture that is going to finally turn things in the right direction for a tired Bears fan base.