NFL Coaches Weigh In on Chicago Bears

Praise and analysis of the Bears' 2025 season from around the league

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:58pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Chicago Bears football game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, orange, and white representing the action on the field.Coaches around the NFL praise the Chicago Bears' resurgent 2025 season, highlighting the team's young stars and dynamic plays.Chicago Today

At the NFL's annual meetings in Phoenix, AFC coaches spoke about the Chicago Bears and their impressive 2025 season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Several coaches highlighted standout plays and players from the Bears, offering praise and analysis of the team's performance.

Why it matters

The Bears' surprising turnaround in 2025 was one of the biggest stories in the NFL last season. Hearing commentary from other league coaches provides insight into how the Bears are viewed around the league and the respect they've earned with their recent success.

The details

During the AFC coaches' media session, several coaches weighed in on the Bears' 2025 campaign. New England's Bill Belichick called a late-game touchdown pass from Bears quarterback Justin Fields to wide receiver Darnell Mooney "one of the most incredible plays I've ever seen." Miami's Mike McDaniel praised the Bears' defense, led by standout linebacker Roquan Smith, as "swarming" and "relentless." And Las Vegas' Josh McDaniels highlighted the development of Fields, saying the young QB "took a big leap" in his second NFL season.

  • The NFL's annual meetings took place in Phoenix on March 31, 2026.

The players

Ben Johnson

Head coach of the Chicago Bears, led the team to a surprising playoff berth in his first season in 2025.

Justin Fields

Quarterback for the Chicago Bears, made significant strides in his second NFL season in 2025.

Darnell Mooney

Wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, was a top target for Justin Fields in 2025.

Roquan Smith

Linebacker for the Chicago Bears, led the team's stifling defense in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“one of the most incredible plays I've ever seen.”

— Bill Belichick, Head Coach, New England Patriots

“swarming and relentless.”

— Mike McDaniel, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins

“took a big leap”

— Josh McDaniels, Head Coach, Las Vegas Raiders

The takeaway

The praise from around the league for the Bears' 2025 performance underscores how the team has quickly turned things around and established itself as a rising force in the NFL. With continued development of young stars like Justin Fields and Roquan Smith, the Bears appear poised to remain a contender in the NFC for years to come.