There really isn't a hotter name in the head coach space in the NFL right now than the Chicago Bears' leading man, Ben Johnson.
The Bears went from 5-12 in 2024 to Johnson's first season, finishing 11-6, winning the NFC North, and one win away from an NFC Championship Game appearance. NBC Sports released its head coach power rankings, with Johnson at 13th, prompting a reaction from FOX Sports commentator Colin Cowherd, who went on his show, The Herd, to share his thoughts.
"If you're telling me Ben Johnson and Liam Coen are the 13th and 14th best coaches, and I've watched what they did in Year 1, this is the greatest group of coaches in league history because Ben Johnson is outstanding. It's like when McVay went to the Rams. First year, they go from unwatchable to like double-digit wins. You're like, is McVay a top four or five coach? I think Ben Johnson and Liam Coen today are top-10 coaches. I think they are unbelievable."
Bears fans can't argue against Colin Cowherd's logic on Ben Johnson
Johnson literally transformed an offense that was the worst rushing attack in the NFL in 2024 into being ranked third in rushing last year. Quarterback Caleb Williams developed into a clutch passer in the fourth quarter because of Johnson.
Look at all the young players that developed under Johnson in their rookie seasons and became impact players. Tight end Colston Loveland became the leading receiver, Luther Burden was fourth on the team in receiving yards with over 600, Kyle Monangai rushed for nearly 800 yards as a seventh-round pick, and Ozzy Trapilo stepped up as the team's potential future left tackle late in the season.
There is a different energy and intensity to this Bears team that has been missing for a long time. Johnson has coached these guys hard and shown them what a winning culture looks like, as most have not seen it in their NFL careers.
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It's borderline criminal that Johnson is not in the top 10, but let him shine in his sophomore year in the role, and there won't be any more doubts about him after that. Johnson is about to make it way too tough for anyone to try to justify leaving him off any list of the best head coaches in the NFL.