Caleb Williams' Praise Highlights Ben Johnson's Coach of the Year Snub

The Bears' young QB underscored why the team's head coach deserved more recognition in the 2026 NFL Honors race.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' young quarterback, praised head coach Ben Johnson in a way that highlighted why Johnson deserved more recognition as the 2026 NFL Coach of the Year. Despite leading the Bears to an NFC North title and a Wild Card playoff win, Johnson received just one vote for the award, while other coaches like Mike Vrabel and Liam Coen received significantly more.

Why it matters

Johnson's coaching performance was a key factor in the Bears' surprising success this season, transforming the team into a legitimate contender. While the award may not validate Johnson's work, his players' high regard for him underscores his importance to the team's turnaround and future.

The details

Under Ben Johnson's leadership, the Bears exceeded expectations, winning the NFC North and earning a Wild Card playoff berth. Quarterback Caleb Williams praised Johnson's ability to lead the team through both good and tough moments, and credited the coach for his own personal development. The Bears now look to the offseason to further bolster the roster and become true Super Bowl contenders.

  • The Bears won the NFC North title in the 2025 NFL season.
  • The Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round of the 2025 NFL playoffs.

The players

Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears' young starting quarterback who praised head coach Ben Johnson's impact on the team and his own development.

Ben Johnson

The head coach of the Chicago Bears, who led the team to an NFC North title and a Wild Card playoff win in the 2025 NFL season.

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What they’re saying

“He's been the catalyst for us. To be able to lead us, to be able to stand strong in tough moments and good moments, to be able to show emotion, be able to be who he is and be consistent with that and do what he said he was going to do. He's been everything that Chicago's needed as a coach.”

— Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears Quarterback (si.com)

What’s next

The Bears will look to further bolster their roster in the 2026 offseason, particularly on defense, in order to become true Super Bowl contenders.

The takeaway

Ben Johnson's coaching performance this season was a key factor in the Bears' surprising success, and his players' high regard for him underscores his importance to the team's turnaround. While he may have been snubbed for Coach of the Year, Johnson's impact on the Bears is undeniable and sets the stage for the team's continued growth and potential championship aspirations.