The Chicago Bears’ long-awaited cultural shift is finally taking root, driven by the meticulous coaching of Ben Johnson and manifesting in the remarkable on-field growth and composure of quarterback Caleb Williams, transforming an organization historically plagued by dysfunction into a resilient, winning team.
The Chicago Bears’ journey has often been a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak for its passionate fanbase. For years, the team has contended for “winning the offseason” with splash signings and top draft picks, only to see potential talent wither under what many perceived as poor coaching and organizational dysfunction. However, the narrative is dramatically shifting in 2025, largely thanks to one man: head coach Ben Johnson.
The ‘Perfect Storm’ and a Culture Reset
The arrival of Ben Johnson, described by Williams’ quarterback trainer Will Hewlett as the “perfect storm” for Caleb Williams, marks a pivotal moment for the franchise. Hewlett, speaking with NFL writer Tyler Dunne, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “If you take a look at my Christmas list when all this stuff was starting to happen, that would’ve been my No. 1 choice based on my understanding of Ben and what type of guy he is and what type of coach.” This sentiment highlights the stark contrast to Williams’ tumultuous rookie season.
Williams’ 2024 debut was marred by immense challenges. The relationship between the rookie quarterback and the previous coaching staff, notably offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, proved to be an ill-fated fit. Waldron’s “awkward demeanor” and “mind-boggling play calls” led to Williams being put in “inexplicably challenging” situations, culminating in the mid-season firing of both Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus. Williams was sacked a staggering 68 times and the Bears endured 10 straight losses, failing to produce a 4,000-yard passer or a playoff win since 2010. The constant criticism Williams faced, even from prominent analysts like Troy Aikman, reflected the deep-seated issues within the organization at the time.
Johnson, who was the most sought-after head coaching candidate of the last decade and previously turned down the Washington Commanders, was Chicago’s definitive choice. General Manager Ryan Poles signed Johnson to a five-year, $65 million deal, initiating an offseason of unprecedented hype that appears to be well-founded.
From “Uh Oh” to “Our Show”: Caleb Williams’ Evolving Composure
Under Johnson’s tutelage, Caleb Williams is visibly thriving. The Bears, after an 0-2 start, have dramatically bounced back, securing three consecutive wins against the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, and Washington Commanders, improving their record to 3-2. This recent surge includes Williams engineering two straight game-winning drives on the road, a stark departure from his struggles in 2024.
The victory against the Commanders on October 14, 2025, was particularly illustrative of Williams’ growth and the team’s newfound resilience. Despite facing adversity, including an offside penalty and a dropped pass that stalled a potential go-ahead drive, Williams maintained his composure. He later rallied the team for a game-winning field goal by replacement kicker Jake Moody, leading to a 25-24 victory. Speaking about his improved mental fortitude, Williams acknowledged, “I think it’s something that I’ve worked on… In those moments, we don’t have time for that. Simple as that. It’s time to go win.”
Johnson’s animated sideline presence was a notable feature during the crucial drive against the Commanders, with fans even speculating he told Williams to “shut the —- up” down his headset during an official’s incident. Regardless of the exact words, Williams holds immense respect for his coach, stating, “I’m excited every single day that I get to wake up and be coached by him… We believe in him. We trust him… The belief in him is there, and we want to win for him.”
The Mastermind’s Influence: Precision and Innovation
Johnson’s coaching philosophy centers on precision and innovation. Cornerback Kyler Gordon emphasized Johnson’s unwavering commitment to perfection in practice. “He’s very detailed, and we won’t do anything unless it’s damn near perfect,” Gordon told Yahoo Sports. This contrasts sharply with previous seasons where mistakes might have been overlooked. Johnson’s meticulous approach extends to his play-calling, which he strategically simplifies for critical games to emphasize execution.
Yet, simplicity doesn’t equate to a lack of creativity. Johnson earned a reputation as a “mastermind” in Detroit for his inventive offensive schemes. He’s known for plays like the “stumble bum,” a fake stumble and fumble that famously fooled the Chicago defense and opened up a touchdown for tight end Sam LaPorta, as seen in a YouTube video from the NFL. Williams himself shared insights into Johnson’s confidence in his own play calls, saying, “Sometimes he’s on the headset, and he’s like, ‘This is a great play call right here. Here we go.’… Those little things actually provide confidence when you’re about to go call the play, and you line up, and you’re like, ‘Uh oh,’ and then the play actually works.”
Johnson’s innovative spirit was evident in the Commanders game, particularly on Williams’ 1-yard rushing touchdown, a designed quarterback run that capitalized on a play fake and a block from running back D’Andre Swift. This blend of detailed execution and creative play design is fostering a new level of confidence and success for the Bears’ offense.
Beyond the Stats: A New Identity for the Bears
The change under Johnson goes deeper than just Williams’ individual stats; it’s about the team’s entire identity. Defensive end Montez Sweat, who came to Chicago in 2023, succinctly captured this transformation: “The culture around here used to be when we get in these close games, we lose ’em. That happened all last year, and this year it seems like we winding up on the other side.” When asked why, Sweat’s response was simple: “Ben. Three letters.”
This new winning mentality is palpable. Johnson himself noted, “I think these wins sometimes can go a longer way for your program than those blowouts do. I think it says a lot about our locker room right now. They’re not just believing, but now they’re starting to understand that, man, if this thing’s close in the fourth quarter, then someone’s going to step up and make a play for us.”
The Bears’ defense has played a crucial role, forcing 11 turnovers in their last three games, including a critical fumble recovery against the Commanders. This complementary football, where all units contribute to victory, is a hallmark of a healthy team culture.
Fan Community Hype and the Road Ahead
The excitement surrounding the Bears isn’t confined to the locker room. From quarterback trainers to general managers, there’s a collective belief that Ben Johnson changes everything. The early results of the 2025 season have fueled the hype, with fans eagerly anticipating a future where the Bears are no longer defined by “poor coaching and overall organizational dysfunction.”
The team’s ability to win ugly, to overcome mistakes, and to finish games strong, points to a fundamental shift. This resilience, combined with Williams’ continued development under a coach widely considered a “mastermind,” suggests that the long-term projection and upside for Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears are finally aligned for sustained success. The “perfect storm” that Will Hewlett envisioned appears to be gathering strength, promising an exciting new era for Chicago football.
FUMBLE! BEARS BALL!
CHIvsWAS on ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/l6Ps1NW7Kj— NFL (@NFL) October 14, 2025
Caleb Williams runs it in himself for the TD!
CHIvsWAS on ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/ciaJDP9Qz9— NFL (@NFL) October 14, 2025
