CHICAGO, Illinois — As the leaves begin to fall, so does the curtain on an offseason of hope in Chicago. The 2025 Bears enter the season under the spotlight that comes with a fresh identity, anchored by new head coach Ben Johnson and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. It’s time to see how much of the offseason hype can translate into regular-season traction.
New Leadership: Ben Johnson Takes the Helm
After firing Matt Eberflus mid-2024, the Bears promoted interim coach Thomas Brown, then completed the transition with the January hire of Ben Johnson, formerly the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator. Johnson, the Bears’ 18th head coach, arrives with a reputation for offensive innovation and quarterback-friendly design that promises to reshape Chicago’s identity.
Caleb Williams: Year Two Under a Smarter Scheme
Caleb Williams’ rookie season ended amid growing pains, though flashes of brilliance hinted at his ceiling. Johnson’s arrival has revitalized the young signal-caller. Williams shows a renewed “unapologetic” approach heading into Year Two, backed by a more dynamic offense and a rebuilt O-line.
Johnson set clear benchmarks: a 70 percent completion rate and the franchise’s first 4,000-yard season—both clear upgrades from his rookie year.
Offseason Moves: Building Around the QB
Free Agency & Trades
The Bears reshaped their roster with a dual focus on offense and the trenches. Key trades included acquiring guards Jonah Jackson (from the Rams) and Joe Thuney (from the Chiefs), fortifying a previously beleaguered O-line. In free agency, they added:
- Drew Dalman, center (3 years, $42M)
- Grady Jarrett, DT
- Dayo Odeyingbo, DE
- Olamide Zaccheaus, WR
- Durham Smythe, TE
- A slate of depth signings across positions.
These additions aim to protect Williams better, support the running game (still a concern), and diversify the offense.
2025 Draft Class
Chicago drafted eight rookies, led by:
- Colston Loveland, TE, No. 10 overall—a move that gives the offense a potential mismatch weapon and a reliable check-down.
- Luther Burden III, WR, Round 2—an explosive playmaker with elite athleticism.
- Other picks include Ozzy Trapilo (OT), Shemar Turner (DT), Ruben Hyppolite II (LB), Zah Frazier (CB), and Luke Newman (OT), plus several impactful UDFAs.
Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen—both new hires—have praised the rookie influx’s potential.
Offense: Scheme Meets Talent
Johnson’s design emphasizes rhythm, quick reads, and protecting Williams while maximizing weapons. With a stronger line and new targets—Loveland, Burden, Zaccheaus—Williams now has options across the field. The running back room remains a question mark; injuries have limited options, and Johnson must get creative to mask that weakness.
Defense: Stability Under Dennis Allen
On the other side, Dennis Allen steps in as defensive coordinator. The secondary remains a highlight, featuring Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker—four of whom were Bears draft picks in recent years. Chicago also reinforced the D-line through free agency.
Turning Hype into Wins
Preseason optimism peaked after a dominant 38-0 preseason win over the Bills and narrative pieces framing Johnson + Williams as potential breakout catalysts. Still, analysts caution patience—the run game lingers as a concern, and the team’s inexperience could invite early-season turbulence. If Johnson can blend creativity, protect Williams, and launch a dynamic aerial attack while minimizing mistakes, playoff contention is within reach.
Season Outlook & Schedule Snapshot
Chicago opens the regular season vs. the Vikings on Sept. 8. That matchup alone may set the tone: early rhythm vs. divisional foes. The broader schedule includes NFC North battles, inter-conference challenges, and continued tests of durability in a remodeled and younger roster.
Bottom Line: The 2025 Chicago Bears aim to turn offseason narrative into tangible results. With Ben Johnson’s offense unlocking Caleb Williams’ potential, a fortified O-line, high-upside rookies, and a defense anchored by Allen, the Bears have the foundation to end their playoff drought. Execution, health, and in-game poise will determine if Week 1 hype becomes postseason reality.
