Bears’ Ben Johnson disrespected in shocking NFL coaching ranking ahead of 2025 season, sparking debate among fans and analysts.

The Chicago Bears’ head coach Ben Johnson is no stranger to pressure and high expectations. Having taken the reins amid hopes of turning around one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, Johnson’s performance has been closely scrutinized by fans, media, and analysts alike. However, a recent NFL coaching ranking ahead of the 2025 season has ignited controversy and debate by placing Johnson surprisingly low—an assessment many perceive as disrespectful to his efforts and potential.

This article dives into the details of the ranking, explores the reasons behind the surprising placement, gauges reactions from different stakeholders, and examines what this means for Johnson’s future and the Chicago Bears’ trajectory in the upcoming season.

Ben Johnson’s Coaching Journey So Far

Before discussing the ranking, it’s important to understand Ben Johnson’s background and what he has brought to the Bears. Johnson, who was promoted to head coach in 2023 after serving as offensive coordinator, stepped into a tough situation. The Bears had struggled with inconsistent play and a lack of identity, and Johnson was viewed as a young coach with fresh ideas and an ability to connect with the modern NFL player.

• Offensive Innovation: Johnson gained recognition for his creative offensive schemes, helping to rejuvenate the Bears’ offense in his coordinator role.
• Player Development: He has been praised for fostering relationships with key players and encouraging their growth.
• Early Challenges: Despite flashes of promise, Johnson’s tenure has seen struggles, including injuries and a learning curve adjusting to head coaching responsibilities.

The Controversial Coaching Ranking

Ahead of the 2025 NFL season, a widely followed sports media outlet released its annual coaching rankings, evaluating every head coach based on past performance, roster quality, and projected future success.

In a list where veteran coaches and rising stars were ranked according to perceived effectiveness, Ben Johnson’s placement shocked many—landing near the bottom of the list.

• Rank and Reasoning: The outlet cited Johnson’s limited head coaching experience and the Bears’ inconsistent results as key reasons for the low ranking.
• Criticism of the Team’s Record: The Bears’ record under Johnson, while showing some improvement, has not yet reached playoff contention, which factored heavily into the evaluation.
• Questioning Leadership: Some analysts questioned Johnson’s ability to lead a rebuilding team to sustained success in a competitive NFC North.

Why the Ranking Feels Disrespectful

The ranking sparked a wave of backlash among Chicago Bears fans, players, and some analysts, who argue that the assessment unfairly dismisses Johnson’s progress and potential.

• Context Matters: Supporters point out that Johnson inherited a team with significant roster weaknesses and has been navigating injuries and off-field distractions.
• Progress Over Perfection: They highlight that the Bears have shown signs of improvement, with a more dynamic offense and competitive spirit.
• Youth and Growth: Many believe Johnson deserves more time to develop as a head coach, citing examples of other successful coaches who struggled early on.

Reactions From the Bears Community

The Chicago fanbase, known for its passionate and sometimes critical nature, was quick to defend their coach on social media and fan forums.

• Fans Rallying: Twitter and Bears fan sites were filled with posts praising Johnson’s energy, adaptability, and connection with players.
• Player Support: Some Bears players publicly voiced confidence in Johnson’s leadership, emphasizing their belief in his vision for the team.
• Analyst Voices: Several local sports commentators argued the ranking was premature and failed to appreciate the broader rebuilding effort underway.

Broader NFL Coaching Rankings Debate

This controversy is not unique to Ben Johnson. NFL coaching rankings often generate heated debate each offseason because:

• Subjective Criteria: Rankings depend on a mix of quantitative metrics and subjective assessments, which can vary widely.
• Rebuilding Teams vs. Contenders: Coaches rebuilding franchises are often undervalued compared to those with immediate success.
• High Expectations: The NFL’s win-now culture puts immense pressure on coaches, sometimes overlooking progress that isn’t immediately reflected in wins.

What This Means for Ben Johnson and the Bears’ Future

While rankings are subjective, they influence perceptions among fans, media, and potentially team executives. For Ben Johnson, this low ranking could be a motivating factor or an unwelcome distraction.

• Motivation to Prove Critics Wrong: Johnson’s coaching philosophy and work ethic suggest he may use the ranking as fuel to elevate the Bears’ performance.
• Pressure to Deliver Results: Conversely, it adds pressure to accelerate team improvement and justify his role.
• Management’s Viewpoint: The Bears’ front office likely weighs such assessments alongside internal evaluations to decide Johnson’s future.

The Importance of Patience in NFL Coaching

Johnson’s situation underscores a larger conversation about patience and long-term planning in the NFL.

• Rebuilding Takes Time: Turning around a struggling franchise rarely happens overnight.
• Comparisons to Other Coaches: Many successful coaches faced early criticism before thriving (e.g., Sean McVay, Mike Tomlin).
• Fan and Media Expectations: Balancing realistic expectations with fans’ desire for immediate success is a delicate act.

Ben Johnson’s low placement in the 2025 NFL coaching rankings has sparked a passionate debate about respect, expectations, and the challenges of leading a rebuilding franchise. While some see the ranking as a harsh but fair critique, others view it as an unfair slight against a promising coach navigating difficult circumstances.

For Johnson and the Chicago Bears, the upcoming season will be crucial—not just for wins and losses, but for proving that progress, growth, and leadership deserve recognition even when results aren’t instant.

As the Bears gear up for 2025, all eyes will be on Johnson to see whether he can silence critics and build a team worthy of respect—and a coaching ranking that reflects his true potential.