With Enough Problems Already, Bears Coach Ben Johnson Doesn’t Need a Loss to Predecessor Matt Eberflus.
Ben Johnson’s first year as head coach of the Chicago Bears was never going to be easy. Inheriting a team with a recent history of underachievement, questionable roster construction, and a divided fanbase hungry for success, Johnson has plenty on his plate. But when the schedule handed him a matchup against former Bears coach Matt Eberflus — now leading a resurgent defense elsewhere — it brought with it a symbolic hurdle that could cast a long shadow over his tenure.
Let’s be clear: a single game does not define a coach. But losing to your immediate predecessor, especially one who was fired after compiling a disappointing 10–24 record over two seasons, is the kind of result that invites uncomfortable headlines and questions. It’s more than just a loss on the scoreboard — it’s a psychological blow and a potential blow to credibility. Johnson, a highly touted offensive mind from his time with the Detroit Lions, is supposed to be the man who ushers the Bears into a new era. A stumble against Eberflus would suggest the ghosts of the past are still haunting Halas Hall.
The pressure is heightened by context. The Bears are trying to build around a rookie quarterback, reshape a defense that’s struggled to find its identity, and manage expectations in a tough NFC North. Johnson’s offense, while innovative in theory, is still finding its rhythm. A sluggish start has already sparked murmurs from the media and fans alike. A loss to Eberflus, particularly if his defense frustrates the Bears’ young offense, would be a PR nightmare.
Meanwhile, Eberflus has every incentive to make a statement. While his time in Chicago was marred by poor results and inconsistency, he was often hamstrung by a lack of talent and front-office dysfunction. Now, with a new opportunity and possibly better tools, Eberflus has the chance to flip the narrative — at the expense of the team that let him go.
Johnson doesn’t need to prove he’s a better coach than Eberflus in Week X — but he does need to avoid giving anyone reason to doubt that he’s the right man for the job now. For a franchise desperate for stability and relevance, perception matters. And losing to a familiar face from a failed past would be a step in the wrong direction.
