LAKE FOREST, Ill. (104.3 The Score) -- When the Bears last reigned as division champions in consecutive seasons, current coach Ben Johnson was a walk-on quarterback at North Carolina preparing for a career in software development. General manager Ryan Poles was a senior at Boston College blocking for quarterback Matt Ryan.
That was nearly two decades ago, and the Bears have for the most part struggled ever since. The goal of sustained winning in that time has seemed misguided for a franchise seeking any type of success.
Johnson and Poles delivered that in 2025, their first season together, as the Bears broke through with the NFC North crown and their first playoff victory in 15 years. Now, they hope to sustain this run in 2026 and well beyond.
Chicago has endured frustrating reminders of how difficult that task can be in the NFL, a league in which parity reigns supreme. But expectations and optimism are warranted for these Bears.
That starts with Johnson, whose message has not changed since the Bears' season ended in the NFL's divisional round last January at Soldier Field.
"You talk about sustaining success – well, shoot, we are starting all over again," Johnson said Tuesday as the Bears reported for training camp at Halas Hall.
Since 2021, each of the NFC North's four teams has won the division title. The Lions have been the lone repeat division winner in that time. Johnson was offensive coordinator those two seasons as head coach Dan Campbell set the emotional edge.
Johnson's message isn't coachspeak – it's a humbling reminder to the Bears that staying on top is quite a daunting task.
"It's important to have that mindset that you're always hunting," said Poles, who was part of the Chiefs' front office as Kansas City won its first six of nine consecutive division titles. "And that's what we're going to do.
"We're going to be hunting at all times."
The partnership between Johnson, who turned 40 back in May, and 24-year-old quarterback Caleb Williams offers Chicago a genuine chance at sustained success. Williams enjoyed a strong second season in the NFL with Johnson at his side.
Williams was the driving force on the field last season, throwing for a franchise record 3,942 yards while leading seven comeback victories in the fourth quarter.
Chicago has never seen a quarterback as talented as Williams. The Bears are now his football team.
"I mean, he's got it all," Johnson said. "There's really nothing I don't think that he can't do. It's just, the elite arm talent, playmaking ability, escapability, he has his legs that he can hurt a defense with. I mean, there's just so many layers to who he is as a player."
Williams' potential for a greater leap this season relies on Johnson keeping his innovative offensive mind ahead of the curve. He spent much of this offseason fine-tuning the Bears' scheme around that threat. There's also potential in second-year targets Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III, who will be Williams' top two options this season.
On the other side of the ball, the Bears made key additions at the disposal of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Chicago was in the bottom third of the NFL in scoring defense and yardage surrendered. That should improve this season.
Practices in training camp should be quite spirited and showcase the Bears' depth in all three phases. But it will take much more than talent for Chicago to remain atop the division.
The Bears must have good fortunes on their side again this season. That starts of course with health, but certainly also those grand comebacks. Is it realistic for this team to deliver in the clutch so many times more? There are skeptics casting doubt on that.
What happened in a breakthrough last season is now in the past. Johnson has urged the Bears to move forward and start anew.
"It's a chance for us to create a new chapter of Chicago Bears football," Johnson said. "The 2026 version."
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
