Chicago Bears: Rebuilding Under Ben Johnson, Bold Moves & Growing Pains

The Chicago Bears Jackets entered the 2025 season with renewed hope and ambition, signaling that this year would be more than another mediocre campaign. With a new head coach, promises of long-term stability in front office leadership, and major plans for a new stadium, the Bears are trying to reestablish themselves as a competitive franchise. But the path is not smooth — early injury issues, offensive line inconsistencies, roster development, and stadium politics create both opportunity and risk for a team in transition.

From Eberflus to Ben Johnson: A New Direction

After a disappointing 2024 season, the Bears made one of the most significant moves in recent memory by parting ways midseason with head coach Matt Eberflus — the first such midseason firing in more than a century for the franchise. Thomas Brown served as interim coach for the remainder of the season.

Then, on January 21, 2025, the Bears officially hired Ben Johnson as head coach. Johnson came from the Detroit Lions, where his offenses consistently ranked among the league’s best. The hiring was meant to inject offensive innovation, discipline, and direction into a roster sorely lacking in consistency. The Bears’ front office backed that direction by extending GM Ryan Poles’ contract through 2029, affirming a commitment to continuity.

Johnson’s mandate is clear: resurrect an offense that has struggled for years, build a backbone of young talent around quarterback Caleb Williams, and stabilize Chicago as a long-term contender rather than a perennial rebuild.

Leadership & Ownership Changes

Off the field, the Bears are also navigating change at the highest levels. Virginia Halas McCaskey, the long-time principal owner and daughter of the franchise’s founder, passed away in February 2025 at age 102. Her passing marks the end of an era and places more responsibility on the Halas-McCaskey family and franchise leadership to preserve the team’s legacy.

Simultaneously, the Bears remain deeply engaged in plans for a new stadium. After exploring a lakefront site in Chicago, they shifted focus — once again — to the suburbs. They are prioritizing a massive new enclosed stadium project in Arlington Heights, where they already own 326 acres of land. Bears President Kevin Warren has confirmed that weekly working sessions with township and state officials are underway, and that the team is ready to act if key legislation (the “Mega Projects” bill) passes the Illinois legislature. The team estimates that the lakefront plan is no longer financially viable, so their full energy is on executing the suburban vision.

These developments underscore that the 2025 season is about more than just wins and losses — it’s part of a generational pivot for the Bears franchise.

Roster Moves & Young Talent

Trades & Acquisitions

In preparation for this season, the Bears were active in reshaping their roster. They executed major trades to acquire guard Jonah Jackson from the Rams and guard Joe Thuney from the Chiefs, shoring up their interior line in hopes that better protection will unlock their offense.

New & Emerging Players

One of the most exciting parts of Chicago’s rebuild is their investment in young, high-upside players. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears selected Colston Loveland, a tight end from Michigan, with the 10th overall pick. Loveland is expected to play a key role in the passing attack, giving Caleb Williams another weapon in the red zone and intermediate throws.

Also worth noting is linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II, a fourth-round pick from Maryland, who brings tackling ability and depth to a front seven in need of reinforcement.

On the defensive side, Kevin Byard, who signed in 2024, remains an experienced presence in the secondary. Meanwhile, Jaylon Johnson, one of the Bears’ top cornerbacks, inked a four-year deal in 2024 after previously being franchise tagged. He remains a foundational piece of Chicago’s pass defense.

These younger pieces are complemented by veterans, but the overall roster still has holes—especially at edge rusher, left tackle, and in the running game.

Injury Report & Depth Challenges

Before their upcoming Week 6 game against the Washington Commanders, the Bears released a concerning injury report. Jaquan Brisker (quadriceps), Grady Jarrett (knee), and Darnell Wright (elbow) were listed as DNP (did not practice). Running back Kyle Monangai has a thigh issue. Meanwhile, Kyler Gordon (hamstring), Jonah Jackson (rib), and Colston Loveland (hip) were limited participants, with Gordon making his much-anticipated return after being off the field earlier in the year.

Given these injury concerns, the Bears recently opened the 21-day practice window for Austin Booker (defensive end) and Travis Homer (running back), both of whom were coming off IR. The hope is that Booker can help with pass rush deficiencies and Homer can contribute on special teams or depth carries.

It’s clear the Bears are walking a tightrope — several starters are banged up, and the team’s ability to plug holes from the bench or practice squad will be tested.

Offensive & Defensive Struggles

Offensive Line & Running Game Struggles

One of Chicago’s biggest disappointments so far has been the performance of its offensive line, especially at left tackle. Despite investing via trades, the unit has struggled with consistency — both in pass protection and run blocking.

The running game was likewise disappointing. Chicago has had difficulty establishing ground control, forcing more pressure onto the passing attacks and making the offense one-dimensional. Coach Johnson has admitted the running issues are a “team problem” — not just the fault of backs — and said improvement is needed across fronts.

Defensive Pass Rush & Coverage Issues

The Bears’ defense has yet to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their sack totals are among the lowest in the league, which has allowed offenses more time in the pocket to exploit coverage mismatches. The return of Austin Booker may help, but it's unclear how quickly he can make an impact.

In the secondary, Jaylon Johnson and Kevin Byard remain anchors, but injuries (and missed practice time by Brisker) binning continuity concerns. The coverage units will be tested, especially against passing attacks like Washington’s.

Quarterback & Passing Attack: Progress with Caution

Caleb Williams, the top pick from the 2024 draft, enters his second season under heightened expectation. Early returns suggest he is growing — analysts including Joe Theismann have commended his improved decision-making, faster releases, and better adaptation to NFL speed. Williams is carrying not just the burden of wins and losses, but as the face of Chicago’s rebuild.

Williams is also expanding his off-field role. He recently invested in Boston Legacy FC, a new NWSL expansion team, through his investment firm 888 Midas. This signals his broader ambitions and influence beyond football.

Washington-Post commentary suggests that the showdown between Williams and Jayden Daniels (Commanders’ QB) is about more than one game — it embodies two contrasting philosophies of team-building and quarterback development in the modern NFL.

However, Williams isn’t immune to criticism. Turnovers, pocket awareness, and timing remain areas of growth. If Chicago’s offensive line doesn’t improve, Williams will continue being under siege.

Stadium & Infrastructure: The Big Gamble

One of the most consequential stories surrounding the Bears is their stadium plan. As noted, they have turned full attention to a new enclosed stadium in Arlington Heights, leaving behind lakefront ambitions.

The financing is complex. While the Bears will self-fund much of the construction, they are requesting $855 million in public investment for associated infrastructure (roads, transit, utilities). This proposal has stirred controversy—some local officials and taxpayers view it as too heavy a public burden.

Delays in legislation are also costly; the Bears estimate that each month of delay adds $10 million in expenses. Bears leadership is pushing hard for passage of the "Mega Projects" bill in the fall of 2025, which would provide tax and funding frameworks for the project.

If approved, construction could begin as early as late 2025, with hopes of completion in time for the 2028 season. A new stadium, particularly a domed venue, would allow Chicago to bid for high-profile events like the Super Bowl — ambitions that align with the franchise’s deeper goals.

What to Watch & Season Trajectory

As the Bears head into their Week 6 matchup against Washington, several storylines will take center stage:

Can Caleb Williams continue to grow under pressure? His development trajectory will likely define Chicago’s ceiling.

Will injuries further derail the starting lineup? If Brisker or Wright can’t go, depth will be tested.

Does opening Booker/Homer’s window pay dividends? A return from IR could shift momentum, particularly if Booker helps bolster the pass rush.

Will the offensive line stabilize? If left tackle and interior protection remain shaky, the offense will struggle to sustain drives.

Stadium legislation’s fate. The political process may ultimately shape the franchise’s long-term future more than wins and losses in 2025.

If the Bears can show incremental improvement — a rushing uptick, better pass protection, and emerging defensive playmakers — they may exceed expectations. But in the unforgiving NFL, early missteps can be costly, especially for a team in rebuild mode.

Conclusion: Rebuilding With High Stakes

The 2025 Chicago Bears season is about more than record or playoff prospects. It’s a transitional phase for a storied franchise seeking identity, stability, and relevance in a league dominated by sustained winners. With Ben Johnson, a committed GM in Ryan Poles, and a young quarterback to build around, the framework is thoughtfully laid. Yet the variables are many — injuries, roster depth, stadium financing, and on-field execution.

Chicago fans have waited long for hope. This year may not yield instant glory, but how the Bears respond to adversity, how Williams matures, and whether the infrastructure ambitions come to fruition will determine whether this rebuild becomes a renaissance—or a reminder of how hard it is to rise again.