This past season, the Chicago Bears fell short of the high expectations set for the team heading into Caleb Williams’ rookie season in the NFL. However, with a new coaching staff in place, expectations are rising as the team moves in a new direction. Earlier this week, the Bears made a surprising decision to hire Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their new head coach. Johnson has received significant praise for his role in revitalizing the Lions offense over the past two seasons, helping the team to become serious contenders in the NFC North.
The Bears are now hopeful that Johnson can replicate that success with Caleb Williams for years to come. So far, sportsbooks seem to share this optimism regarding the hiring. Before bringing Johnson on board, the Bears had 60-1 odds to win the Super Bowl next season on DraftKings Sportsbook, but those odds soared to 40-1 shortly after the news became official.
The Bears’ odds to win next year’s Super Bowl BEFORE hiring Ben Johnson: +6000
The Bears’ odds to win next year’s Super Bowl AFTER hiring Ben Johnson: +4000 pic.twitter.com/u8uOdtrBes
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) January 20, 2025
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, this means the Bears are now 33 percent more likely to win the Super Bowl with Johnson than without him. While it’s clear the Bears remain underdogs to go from the worst team in the NFC North to champions, oddsmakers view Johnson’s hiring as a significant step forward. Meanwhile, Bears fans are cautiously optimistic about the move but are not yet ready to declare the team Super Bowl contenders. “Lol alright don’t gas us,” joked one fan in a post on X.
lol alright don’t gas us.. https://t.co/7BDy82CSdj
— Uncle Lou Trolls (@RunningSmoov) January 20, 2025
“Alright we gotta chill out for a moment, folks,” added another fan on X.
Alright we gotta chill out for a moment, folks https://t.co/gjeLppsZtf
— William Martin (Cheez-It Bowl Champion) (@W_M_Martin) January 20, 2025
Ultimately, transforming the Bears into a contender will require significant work, even with Ben Johnson at the helm. Nonetheless, this hiring brings a positive momentum to the franchise on paper.
