How Williams and Johnson Turned the Bears Around
CHICAGO, IL – The ghosts of Soldier Field usually whisper of missed opportunities and defensive struggles, but on Sunday, they were drowned out by a roar that has been absent for years. Following a 22-16 overtime thriller against the arch-rival Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bears aren’t just celebrating a win; they are celebrating an exorcism. At 11-4, with the NFC North within their grasp and a playoff berth secured, the Bears have officially turned the page on a disastrous past.
The catalyst for this turnaround isn’t just talent; it’s trust. After a rookie campaign that saw Caleb Williams battered during a 5-12 finish under defensive-minded Matt Eberflus, the arrival of head coach Ben Johnson has altered the franchise’s DNA. The 2025 season has been defined by a newfound synergy between play-caller and quarterback, a partnership that has unlocked the version of Williams that captivated the college football world at USC.
Williams looks like a man reborn. Gone is the hesitation of his rookie year, replaced by the swagger of a Heisman winner. He has thrown for 3,400 yards and 23 touchdowns against just six interceptions, but the numbers only tell half the story. The real metric of his growth is in the clutch. Williams has led six game-winning drives this season, piloting the offense with a calmness that belies his age. The “magic carpet ride” of 2025 is fueled by an offense that finally speaks the quarterback’s language.
This success validates the Bears’ aggressive pursuit of Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator who was the most coveted name on the coaching market. The decision to pair Williams with an offensive specialist mirrors the formula that worked so well for him under Lincoln Riley at USC. For the first time since his days as a Trojan—where he threw for over 8,000 yards and 72 touchdowns—Williams has a mentor who views the game through the same offensive prism.
The shift from a defensive head coach to an offensive architect has allowed Williams to play free. However, the celebration must be brief. A massive test looms against the 11-4 San Francisco 49ers, a game that will measure exactly how ready this young contender is for the postseason spotlight.
“I think what I’ve grown to love about him… I think we’re mentally very similar.” – Ben Johnson, Bears Head Coach
Johnson’s comment highlights the transparency and genuine bond forming in the quarterback room. It suggests that the Bears’ success is built on one-on-one collaboration, moving away from the disconnect that plagued the team in 2024.
The Bears have found their identity. By shedding the dysfunction of the previous regime and embracing an offensive-first philosophy, they have transformed Caleb Williams from a struggling rookie into a franchise savior. The road to the Super Bowl may still be long, but for the first time in a long time, the path runs through Chicago.
