Bears coach Ben Johnson isn't interested in building off 2025. His blunt message about starting over reveals the mindset driving Chicago.
The Chicago Bears could've spent the week after the Divisional Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams patting themselves on the back. They could've looked ahead to 2026 with a feeling that they've arrived and are ready to move into that legitimate contender status.
. "We go back to square one. We are back at the bottom again. And that's really all 32 teams. If you feel otherwise, you're probably missing the big picture." It's a telling quote, not just for what Johnson actually said, but what he's dismissing, too. He's dismissing the idea that one successful season is indicative of next year being just as good, if not better. His point is clear : the 2025 season is over, and it has nothing to do with how 2026 will turn out.Johnson's approach is perfect for where the Chicago Bears are in their arc. They've made tangible strides in 2025, but history is littered with teams that regress after what felt like a breakthrough campaign. It's easy to mistake one good year as a finished product, and Johnson is doing his part to make sure that mistake isn't being made.MORE: Chicago Bears Viewed as Prime 2026 NFL Draft Fit For Explosive Miami EDGE It's a message that mirrors how Johnson has approached his offense since arriving in Chicago. Rather than chase quick fixes or lean on the reputation he brought with him from the Detroit Lions, he's emphasized execution and repeatable habits. It's a mindset that more than just stabilized the offense in 2025. It's led to Caleb Williams' significant development, one of the NFL's best rushing games, and, best of all, points."You're trying to lose 50 pounds. The first 30 is the easiest," Johnson said. "The last 20, that's the hard part."have lost the easy weight. They're no longer irrelevant or the NFC North's punching bag. Now, it's time to lose the hard weight, where discipline and consistency are required to become a bona fide Super Bowl contender.More Chicago Bears NewsChicago Bears Insider Sounds Alarm on Bears' Safety Dilemma Entering 2026Bryan Perez founded and operated Bears Talk, a Chicago sports blog. Prior to that, he covered the Bears for USA Today’s Bears Wire and NBC Sports Chicago. In addition to his Chicago Bears coverage, Perez is a respected member of NFL Draft media and was a past winner of The Huddle's Mock Draft competition. Bryan's past life includes time as a Northeast scout for the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks.Luther Burden Injury Update: Bears Get Promising News on Rookie Wide Receiver
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