The Chicago Bears made a splash with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach this offseason. Johnson was the most sought-after candidate, and his hiring signaled the beginning of a new era of Bears football after a 5-12 season with Matt Eberflus at the helm.

Johnson is one of the most respected offensive coaches in the NFL, and his presence will be integral to the success of Caleb Williams in the long run. But Johnson also hails from a Detroit Lions organization that went from worst to first under Dan Campbell, and Johnson will be looking to do the same in Chicago. While the Bears have yet to play a game with Johnson in charge, his presence has already been felt this offseason with his expectations and experienced coaching staff. And there are high expectations for Chicago this season. Johnson is currently the favorite (+700) to win Coach of the Year entering his first season as a head coach, according to Draft Kings. New England’s Mike Vrabel (+850) is behind him. The Bears have the potential to be one of the biggest surprises this season, but it won’t be easy. Chicago has the second most difficult schedule in the league, which includes stints against the AFC North and NFC East, as well as facing their NFC North rivals twice this season. But the talent is also there. If Johnson and his coaching staff can maximize this roster — and be competitive within the division — there’s a belief the Bears could contend for their first playoff appearance since 2020.