Dec 14, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks along the sideline during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Bears' Ben Johnson Lands Strong Words from Former Coach Rex Ryan 1
The Chicago Bears and head coach Ben Johnson have gotten off to a 3-1 start this season. Despite star quarterback Caleb Williams being forced to miss the last two games due to a hamstring injury, the Bears have found a way to continue winning.
Johnson has found success with both Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent. If there was a reason for opposing teams to be more worried about Chicago, the continued winning and offensive performance without Williams is that reason.
Since becoming the team’s head coach before the 2025 NFL season, Johnson has turned everything around. In his first year with the Bears, he led the team to an NFC North title and the No. 2 seed in the conference. They weren’t able to make a Super Bowl run, but it was clear that they’ll be a team to be reckoned with for years to come.
Following the Week 4 win over the New York Jets and before their upcoming matchup against the rival Green Bay Packers, former NFL head coach Rex Ryan spoke out with strong words about Johnson.
Chicago Bears
May 8, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson addresses the media at Halas Hall before Rookie Minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Rex Ryan Reveals Strong Opinion of Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson
During an appearance on “Get Up” this week, Ryan made it clear that he’s a big fan of Johnson.
“Ben Johnson is the guy! … This is the guy you don’t want to play,” Ryan said.
Ryan wasn’t the only analyst to speak out about Johnson and the impact he has had in Chicago. Colin Cowherd also made a bold statement about the Bears’ head coach.
“We’ve discovered in the last 2 weeks – as gifted as Caleb Williams is – the centerpiece of the Bears is Ben Johnson,” Cowherd said.
Johnson has compiled a 14-7 record since taking over in Chicago. His current trajectory would see him take the Bears to the playoffs in his first two seasons leading the way.
At just 40 years old, the future looks incredibly bright in Chicago. Johnson has a chance to be a very long-term head coach for the Bears. For now, he’s starting to be talked about in the conversation of being the best head coach in the entire NFL.
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