Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson Get Big News Before Super Bowl

The Chicago Bears had a stellar season, but fell short in the playoffs.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Caleb Williams was awarded the Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year for his game-winning hail Mary touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers, while Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was not named Coach of the Year despite leading the team to an 11-6 record and the NFC North title. Though disappointed by the playoff loss, Johnson praised his team's effort and believes they can use the experience as motivation going forward.

Why it matters

The Bears' success this season under Johnson's leadership has generated excitement among the team and its fans, who are hopeful the team can build on this year's performance and make another playoff run next season. Williams' award recognition also highlights the team's ability to make big plays, which will be important as they look to take the next step.

The details

The Bears fell to the Los Angeles Rams 20-17 in overtime in the divisional playoffs after going 11-6 in the regular season and winning the NFC North. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson praised his team's effort and belief, saying they would use the disappointing playoff loss as motivation. Meanwhile, quarterback Caleb Williams was awarded the Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year for his game-winning hail Mary touchdown pass against the Packers, though he was not present to accept the award.

  • The Bears' season ended with a 20-17 overtime loss to the Rams in the divisional playoffs on January 18, 2026.
  • The NFL Honors ceremony, where Williams was recognized, took place on February 5, 2026.

The players

Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears' starting quarterback, who was awarded the Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year for his game-winning hail Mary touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers.

Ben Johnson

The offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, who led the team to an 11-6 record and the NFC North title, but did not win Coach of the Year.

DJ Moore

The Chicago Bears wide receiver who accepted the Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year award on behalf of Caleb Williams.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who won Coach of the Year.

Mike Macdonald

The defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks, who was also a finalist for Coach of the Year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our guys fought the entire way, just like they have all season long. I thought this was very much like our team has been, and you've got to give the Rams credit... they ended up making a couple more plays than we did. That's why it ended up going into overtime and they ended up coming out on top. Like I said, disappointing result. Our guys are feeling it right now.”

— Ben Johnson, Offensive Coordinator, Chicago Bears

“They all believed, man. They all believed all year long that we could find a way to win each and every week. So, it's disappointing like that. But I am proud of the group. It's a special group. I said that a few weeks ago.”

— Ben Johnson, Offensive Coordinator, Chicago Bears

“I believe that to my core, that when you're with a group of men for the last time in the locker room and you know it's just not going to be the same going forward that, I appreciate all of them, the men and the women, coaches, players, support staff, everybody that had a role this season.”

— Ben Johnson, Offensive Coordinator, Chicago Bears

“It was a special year. This will be hopefully a feeling in this locker room that we won't forget, and we'll be able to use it as fuel going forward.”

— Ben Johnson, Offensive Coordinator, Chicago Bears

What’s next

The Chicago Bears will look to build on their successful 2026 season and make another playoff push in 2027, with Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson leading the way.

The takeaway

Despite falling short in the playoffs, the Chicago Bears' 2026 season under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was a major success, showcasing the team's ability to compete at a high level and generating excitement for the future. Caleb Williams' award recognition further highlights the team's potential, and the Bears will look to use this season's experience as motivation to take the next step in 2027.