Ben Johnson overlooked in Coach of the Year race despite Bears’ remarkable resurgence
Ben Johnson stands tied for the fourth-best odds at +800 to clinch the NFL’s Coach of the Year Award. The Chicago Bears head coach has a prime opportunity to enhance his standing should he guide his team to victory against Green Bay this Saturday night. There’s no denying the transformative influence Johnson has had on the Bears this season, but he finds himself in a crowded field of first-year head coaches who have dramatically improved their teams.
The Competition for Coach of the Year
At the forefront of the Coach of the Year race is Mike Vrabel, whose odds sit at +150. Under his leadership, the New England Patriots have rebounded from a dismal 4-13 season to an impressive 11-3 record. Vrabel has proven to be precisely what the Patriots needed, establishing himself as a deserving candidate for the award.
Meanwhile, Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars is also making waves with a 10-4 record, leading the NFC South. Coen deserves recognition for steering the team from a 4-13 finish last year to one of the league’s hottest squads. Given these accomplishments, it is surprising to see both Coen and Johnson tied for fourth in the rankings, each holding odds of +800.
A Case for Ben Johnson
Johnson’s lack of recognition is particularly puzzling when considering the remarkable turnaround his team has achieved. While both Mike Macdonald of the Seattle Seahawks and Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers occupy higher spots in the odds—Macdonald at +200 and Shanahan at +400—details of their seasons raise questions. The Seahawks, after all, have enjoyed a winning record for four consecutive seasons, while the 49ers have been perennial contenders, making the Super Bowl or coming close in four of the last five years before a disappointing 2022.
Although the 49ers have faced significant injury challenges this season, their talent has never been in doubt. In contrast, the Bears’ current 10-4 record was unexpected at the season’s outset, especially given the injury woes that have plagued the team. This disparity raises the question: why is Johnson not receiving similar accolades from the oddsmakers?
Looking Ahead
As the Bears prepare for their pivotal matchup against the Packers, all eyes will be on Johnson, not only to secure a win but potentially to solidify his status as a leading candidate for Coach of the Year. The outcome could very well change the narrative surrounding his impressive coaching tenure, further highlighting the remarkable turnaround in Chicago.
