The Chicago Bears transitioned from a disappointing 2024 season to an impressive 2025 campaign, capturing their division title and defeating the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. This rise coincided with the notable improvement of quarterback Caleb Williams and a revitalized offensive line. However, questions remain about what exactly hindered the team’s performance the year before, with speculation pointing toward coaching limitations in 2024.
Former Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen was recently asked about this very issue by talk show host Zach Gelb, providing insight into the internal obstacles the team faced.
Keenan Allen’s Perspective on 2024 Coaching Limitations
When questioned by Gelb regarding his surprise at the Bears’ success under new leadership, Allen expressed no shock at Williams’ progression, while subtly indicating that coaching had restrained the team in 2024.
Gelb asked,
“You being in Chicago for a year, I know Ben Johnson’s now been there had a very successful season. Caleb Williams was the quarterback you were around him. Were you surprised by their success this year?”
Allen responded,
“Absolutely not. When I was there, the team that we had a lot of talent just always kind of held back just by…I won’t get into it specifically.”
On clarifying whether coaching was the issue, Allen smirked and added,
“I won’t get into the specifics but we kind of held back. The roster was definitely in a good place where we could of done some things as they did this year. Definitely hats off to them. They did a great job.”
There is widespread acknowledgment that coaching was a key factor behind the Bears’ 5-12 record during Williams’ rookie year. The lack of accountability within the coaching staff and inconsistent offensive play calling severely stifled the team. For example, head coach Matt Eberflus’s casual remark that “It doesn’t really matter” after a pivotal play by Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin underscores the coaching challenges faced.
Leadership Shift and Coaching Accountability in 2025
The arrival of head coach Ben Johnson has marked a distinct change in the team’s culture, emphasizing responsibility and a winning mentality. Johnson openly accepted fault for early offensive struggles, stating during training camp,
“I’ll fall on the sword on that one.”
He continued,
“I didn’t do a good enough job of installing those plays for them to come out and look the way they looked offensively.”
Following a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Johnson elaborated,
“We didn’t quite get aligned in the formation we wanted to. It’s on me. I didn’t get the call in fast enough. So, [Williams] is trying to piecemeal it together. I gotta do a better job.”
This culture of accountability differentiates the 2025 Bears from the previous year’s team that repeatedly lost close contests. The coaching staff’s dedication to excellence contributed greatly to the turnaround, preventing the team from being overwhelmed by adversity and earning the nickname ‘Cardiac Bears’ for last-minute losses.
Broader Coaching Changes and NFL Recognition
The Bears’ coaching staff developments have drawn attention league-wide. For instance, Kansas City Chiefs reacquired Bears’ running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, while the Baltimore Ravens appointed Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle as their new OC. These moves highlight the coaching talent fostered within Chicago’s organization despite previous setbacks.
As the Bears prepare for the 2026 season, the growth experienced in 2025 provides a foundation of hope and renewed confidence, showing how changes in coaching and leadership directly contributed to the team’s rise.
Keenan Allen says he wasn't surprised by Caleb Williams' success this season.
Why were they held back a year ago?
I wonder what it could be? Cough, cough…coaching. @Bounty pic.twitter.com/d9WJ2E4NqT
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) February 5, 2026
