Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson Named AP Coach of the Year Finalist

The Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has been named a finalist for the prestigious AP Coach of the Year award, as announced by the NFL on January 22, 2026. Johnson’s nomination comes after a remarkable turnaround for the Bears during his inaugural season, where he transformed the team’s culture and performance.

Alongside Johnson, other finalists include Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Mike Macdonald of the Seattle Seahawks, Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers, and Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots. The winner will be revealed at the NFL Honors ceremony scheduled for February 5, 2026, at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Johnson’s first season was marked by a series of notable achievements. Under his leadership, the Bears improved from one of the league’s weakest teams to a competitive force. The team experienced seven fourth-quarter comebacks, including a crucial victory in the playoffs. Quarterback Caleb Williams significantly developed under Johnson’s guidance, helping elevate the Bears’ offense to one of the league’s best.

The Bears also celebrated several milestones this season. They returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, clinched the NFC North title for the first time since 2018, and secured their first playoff win in 15 years. These accomplishments underscore the effectiveness of Johnson’s leadership and the positive shifts within the organization.

Notably, Matt Nagy was the last Bears head coach to receive the Coach of the Year award in 2018. This year, Coen is also a first-year coach among the finalists, while Vrabel is in his first season with the Patriots. Johnson’s recognition reflects a growing trend of new coaches making a substantial impact in their debut seasons, showcasing their potential to reshape teams and achieve success.

As the season concludes, the Bears’ management and fans express optimism for the future, bolstered by Johnson’s innovative approach and the team’s recent achievements. The announcement of the Coach of the Year winner will undoubtedly add another layer of excitement to the upcoming NFL Honors ceremony.