Bears coach Ben Johnson embraces celebrity stature after spectacular turnaround season
By Jason Lieser
Published on March 30, 2026.
Bears coach Ben Johnson has become a celebrity due to his successful turnaround season, which saw him become the most celebrated Chicago sports figure since Mike Ditka. The team had a successful 11-6 season, including a playoff win over the Packers and a hotdog giveaway at Wiener's Circle. Johnson, who was previously known as offensive coordinator for the Lions, has embraced celebrity status and is still living a relatively normal life despite his high profile. He was introduced as a brilliant offensive mind but brought an unexpected intensity to the team. Despite his success, Johnson remains modest about his approval rating and acknowledges the difficulty of living under the microscope. He married his high school sweetheart and has a young family.
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