Ben Johnson, the head coach of the Chicago Bears, currently holds the fourth-best odds (+800) to win the NFL’s Coach of the Year Award. His chances could improve significantly if he successfully leads the Bears to a victory over the Green Bay Packers this Saturday night.
This season, Johnson has undeniably made a substantial impact, contributing to a remarkable turnaround for the Bears. He is among three first-year head coaches who have revitalized their respective teams. Leading the pack is Mike Vrabel, coach of the New England Patriots, with the best odds (+150) after turning last year’s 4-13 record into an impressive 11-3 this season, showcasing his pivotal role in the team’s revival.
Also in the running is Liam Coen, whose Jacksonville Jaguars lead the NFC South with a 10-4 record, having improved from a disappointing 4-13 last season. Despite his accomplishments, Coen is surprisingly tied for fourth in Coach of the Year rankings with Johnson.
Both Johnson and Coen are trailing behind Seattle’s head coach Mike Macdonald (+200) and San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan (+400), whose teams have had successful seasons. While they have shown resilience, particularly the 49ers dealing with significant player injuries, the narrative surrounding them raises questions. Their teams were expected to perform well, unlike the Bears, who were not anticipated to achieve a 10-4 record, especially given the injuries they’ve faced.
A victory over the Packers this weekend would prove pivotal for Johnson in claiming recognition in the Coach of the Year race. Not only would it solidify the Bears’ strong position in the NFC North, putting them ahead of Green Bay by a game-and-a-half, but it would also mark a significant moment against their long-time rivals. Historically, the Bears have struggled against the Packers, with Green Bay’s coach Matt LaFleur boasting a 12-1 record against them since 2019.
The implications of this game extend beyond just personal accolades for Johnson. A win would diminish the significance of previous top victories, such as their win in Philadelphia, and it would enhance their positioning for the playoffs, given they would need to avoid losing their remaining games while hoping for other teams to falter.
Meanwhile, the Patriots, led by Vrabel, face a tough matchup as three-point underdogs against the Baltimore Ravens this weekend. Should New England lose, it may not dethrone Vrabel from the Coach of the Year title, but it could create an opportunity for Johnson to gain ground in the rankings.
As the stakes rise, Johnson remains focused on securing the victory against the Packers. The potential for the Bears to clinch the division and a playoff spot adds an exciting narrative to this pivotal matchup, which carries both personal and team significance. The excitement surrounding the league continues to grow as teams vie for top honors.