Tag: bears

Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up while quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) looks on before an NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

QB Who? Bears claim trade interest high in backup Tyson Bagent

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Nobody predicted a quarterback quandary for the Chicago Bears this offseason.

With Caleb Williams leading a revival alongside first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears won their first playoff game in 15 years and have the firepower behind their third-year quarterback to remain competitive in the near term.

But general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine they are indeed wrestling with a weighty decision at QB: whether or not to listen to trade calls for backup Tyson Bagent.

“It’s a really tough decision for us,” Poles said Tuesday, speaking an hour before Johnson took the podium at the Indiana Convention Center adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium. “Obviously the tough thing is with what Ben thinks about Tyson, what I think about Tyson, what our locker room thinks about Tyson, it’s a tough decision for us. I think he would have an opportunity to go and perform for a team and do some really good things. You’ve got to weigh the short-term and long-term. So now, what’s the cost for a replacement to get someone like Tyson? Interesting dynamic there that we’re going to have to work through.

Bagent was undrafted in 2023 after five seasons as the starter at Division II Shepherd. He won a backup job in training camp before Johnson’s arrival in 2025.

He won two of his four starts as a rookie, including his first over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Bagent, who turns 26 in June, signed a two-year extension in August 2025 following Johnson’s first training camp with Bagent and the Bears.

“I love Tyson. We will always do what’s best for organization,” Johnson said. “I’m of the mind that he was one of the best 32 in the NFL.”

–Field Level Media

A general view of Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears since 1971. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Bears on verge of committing to NW Indiana stadium

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Chicago Bears are willing to commit $2 billion to a stadium project near Wolf Lake in Northwest Indiana after failing to gain traction with new construction projects in Illinois.

Indiana House of Representatives speaker Todd Huston made the announcement on Thursday morning with the passage of State Bill 27, which creates a stadium authority and “sets forth the framework for a final agreement,” Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said in a statement.

The significant development is not a legally binding or full and final bill ending the Bears’ 55-year stint at Soldier Field.

But it came not long after policymakers in Illinois called off a scheduled session to discuss stadium plans to keep the team in — or at least near — Chicago. Recent negotiations to remain in Illinois were focused on taxpayer funding with the Bears willing to commit more than 50% of the projected cost for sites in Arlington Heights, Ill., or a rebuild on the Chicago lakefront.

A state committee in the Illinois House focused on “megaprojects” through the revenue and finance committee did not meet as originally scheduled early Thursday morning as the Bears confirmed a stadium development is progressing in the Hammond, Ind., area.

“The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date. We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana. We appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator (Ryan) Mishler and members of the Indiana General Assembly in establishing this critical framework and path forward to deliver a premier venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors from across the globe. We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to build our working relationship together.”

Hammond, Ind., is 22 miles from Soldier Field and Wolf Lake is around 20 miles. Public transportation options via the South Shore line and Amtrak, which traverses the Lake Michigan shoreline across Indiana and into Michigan. Arlington Heights, located 25 miles from downtown in the northwest Chicago suburbs, has Metra stops and is situated near O’Hare Airport with access to nearby interstates.

“Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears. We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal,” Braun said. “If approved, the proposed amendment to Senate Bill 27 puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly. The State of Indiana moves at the speed of business, and we’ve demonstrated that through our quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers. We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers.”

Earlier this year, the Kansas City Chiefs made a similar move to end their longstanding agreement with Missouri, rolling out a plan to leave Arrowhead Stadium for a new home across the border in Kansas. The agreement brings new revenue streams to the Chiefs and met the franchise’s financial vision for a shared funding plan that Missouri refused to entertain.

The Bears have called Soldier Field home since 1971. The team played the 2002 season at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill., on the campus of the University of Illinois while Soldier Field underwent a massive renovation.

–Field Level Media

Oct 17, 2024; Watford, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor during press conference at The Grove. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Bears officially promote Press Taylor to offensive coordinator

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Chicago Bears officially promoted passing game coordinator Press Taylor to offensive coordinator in a series of staff announcements on Wednesday.

The Bears also added running backs coach Eric Studesville, offensive analyst Will Lawing and offensive quality control coach Isaiah Ford to head coach Ben Johnson’s staff.

Taylor, 38, takes over for Declan Doyle, who accepted the same job with the Baltimore Ravens. Johnson is expected to continue to call the offensive plays.

Taylor, younger brother of Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, began his coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles (2013-20) and Indianapolis Colts (2021) before becoming offensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars for three seasons (2022-24).

Studesville, 58, began his NFL coaching career with the Bears from 1997-2000. He spent the past nine seasons with the Miami Dolphins, the last four as associated head coach and running backs coach.

Lawing, 40, spent the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach at Boston College. His NFL experience includes time with the Houston Texans (2014-20) and New England Patriots (2023).

Ford, 30, is making the move into coaching after catching 63 passes for 681 yards and two touchdowns in 32 games as a wide receiver with the Dolphins from 2018-21. Johnson was his position coach in Miami in 2018.

–Field Level Media

Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; in Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during an NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Iowa lawmakers propose bill in effort to lure NFL’s Bears

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A new wrinkle has emerged in the Chicago Bears stadium saga as Iowa lawmakers try to position the state as a landing spot if the franchise’s long-running search for a new home drifts beyond Illinois and Indiana.

Seven state senators introduced Senate File 2252, a bill that would expand Iowa’s MEGA (major economic growth attraction) development program to include incentives for building an NFL stadium. MEGA has traditionally targeted large investments of at least $1 billion in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, biosciences and research and development.

Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen framed the filing as an opportunity play, saying the bill was meant to “show a team in our neighboring state that we are ready for them if their home state doesn’t want them. While Illinois and Indiana squabble over this issue, we are ready to get off the sidelines and into the game.”

Sen. Scott Webster took a sharper tone, adding, “After years of Bears fans seeking refuge across the Mississippi River from the incompetence, corruption and punitive tax and regulatory climate in the state of Illinois, it is time for the team to join their fans on the west side of the river.”

Geography is the obvious hurdle. Des Moines is the state’s largest market with a population of around 750,000, while the Quad Cities on the Iowa-Illinois border — about 175 miles from Soldier Field — are home to 470,000. Iowa also lacks a major pro franchise to build around.

Still, the timing is telling. The Bears’ stadium talks have centered on public funding, including a recent push for $855 million in infrastructure support tied to a project costing more than $5 billion. And with places like Gary, Ind., publicly rolling out “plug-and-play” stadium concepts, Iowa is making sure it’s on the board — even if it’s the longest shot.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Report: Bears to promote Press Taylor to OC

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Chicago Bears are promoting passing game coordinator Press Taylor to offensive coordinator, NFL Network reported Sunday.

Once the deal is official, the 38-year-old Taylor will replace Declan Doyle, who accepted the same job with the Baltimore Ravens.

Taylor’s first NFL job came with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013 when he was named offensive quality control coach. He rose through the ranks to quarterback coach and passing game coordinator, then became a senior offensive assistant with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. He then spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars before landing on Ben Johnson’s staff in Chicago.

Taylor likely will not call plays in Chicago for quarterback Caleb Williams. Johnson holds that role.

Taylor is the younger brother of Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor.

–Field Level Media

Reports: Ravens hire Declan Doyle as OC

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Baltimore Ravens are hiring Declan Doyle as their offensive coordinator, several media outlets reported Friday.

The Chicago Bears, who tapped Doyle to lead their offense a year ago, allowed him to leave for the new opportunity because he will be the play-caller in Baltimore, per ESPN. Bears head coach Ben Johnson calls plays himself.

Doyle joins the staff of Jesse Minter, the defensive-minded head coach Baltimore hired Jan. 22 to replace John Harbaugh.

At 29 years old, Doyle is the same age as Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ two-time MVP quarterback. He takes command of a prolific rushing offense that slipped to 27th in passing yards and was 11th in points scored in 2025 under veteran coordinator Todd Monken, the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

The Ravens went 8-9 and finished one win shy of the postseason. Jackson missed four games due to hamstring and back injuries.

Doyle has spent seven years on NFL sidelines with the Bears, Denver Broncos (tight ends coach, 2023-24) and New Orleans Saints (offensive assistant, 2019-22).

He was a student assistant for three seasons at Iowa and played a season of college baseball at Iowa Western Community College.

Doyle also interviewed to be the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator. That job went to Sean Mannion, the Green Bay Packers’ outgoing quarterbacks coach.

–Field Level Media

Reports: Chiefs request OC interview with ex-OC Eric Bieniemy

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Kansas City Chiefs may be getting the band back together.

With offensive coordinator Matt Nagy on an expiring contract and reportedly a finalist to be the Tennessee Titans’ next head coach, Kansas City has reportedly requested an interview with its former OC Eric Bieniemy, now the Chicago Bears’ running backs coach.

Bieniemy, 56, was the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator from 2018-22 after serving as the team’s running backs coach from 2013-17. His first season as OC was Patrick Mahomes’ first season as starting quarterback, and he helped lead Kansas City to Super Bowl championships in his second season (2019) and final season (2022) in the role.

Bieniemy, who received head coach interviews but wasn’t hired, left to become the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders in 2023 — which afforded him play-calling opportunities that Kansas City did not under head coach Andy Reid.

He was UCLA’s assistant head coach/offensive coordinator in 2024 before returning to the NFL this past season with Chicago.

Kansas City’s 10-year playoff streak was snapped this season as the Chiefs (6-11) had their first losing season since 2012, the year before Reid was hired.

–Field Level Media

Bears luck runs out as Harrison Mevis’ OT kick puts Rams in NFC title game

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Harrison Mevis kicked a game-ending 42-yard field goal with 3:19 left in overtime and Kyren Williams rushed for two touchdowns to lift the visiting Los Angeles Rams to a 20-17 victory against the Chicago Bears in an NFC divisional playoff Sunday.

The Rams advanced to face the host Seattle Seahawks in the NFC championship game on Jan. 25. Chicago finished a resurgent season under first-year coach Ben Johnson.

Los Angeles drove for the winning field goal after Kamren Curl intercepted Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who threw three picks, including two to Cobie Durant.

Los Angeles took a 17-10 lead on Kyren Williams’ 5-yard touchdown run with 8:50 remaining in regulation. After gaining just 89 yards on six drives following its opening possession, the Rams marched 91 yards in 14 plays. Puka Nacua’s 2-yard run on 4th-and-1 from the Chicago 5 set up the Williams score.

Chicago drove to the Los Angeles 2 on its ensuing possession but Omar Speights thwarted the threat by breaking up Caleb Williams’ fourth-down pass intended for Luther Burden with 3:03 remaining.

The Bears forced a Rams punt, which set up the latest display of Chicago’s late-game heroics. The Bears, who set an NFL record this season with seven comebacks while trailing in the final two minutes, tied the game on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to Cole Kmet with 18 seconds to play. Williams released the pass from around the LA 40 amid a heavy Rams pass rush.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was 20-for-42 for 258 yards while Kyren Williams gained 87 yards on 21 carries. Nacua had five catches for 56 yards and Colby Parkinson had three receptions for 56 yards.

Caleb Williams was 23-of-42 for 257 yards and two scores. D’Andre Swift rushed 19 times for 76 yards and Colston Loveland caught four passes for 56 yards.

The teams played to a 10-all tie in the first half. Los Angeles opened the scoring when Kyren Williams rushed for a 4-yard touchdown with 6:20 remaining in the first quarter, punctuating a 14-play, 85-yard opening drive.

The Bears attempted three fourth-down conversions in the first half and capitalized on just one — a 3-yard touchdown pass from Williams to D.J. Moore on the first play of the second quarter.

Cairo Santos connected on a 48-yard field goal with 1:10 to go in the quarter to give the Bears their first lead at 10-7. Los Angeles responded with a Melvis 32-yarder on the last play of the half.

The Rams and Seahawks split a pair of regular-season meetings, with each team prevailing on its home field. Los Angeles edged visiting Seattle 21-19 in Week 11 before the Seahawks returned the favor with a 38-37 overtime victory in Week 16.

–Field Level Media

Rams layer up, pack their own LaFleur to visit Bears, ‘Iceman’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Any skeptics left doubting the merit of Caleb Williams’ nickname might look to the mercury for confirmation on Sunday night when the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams stage the finale of a four-game NFL Divisional Playoff weekend.

Williams’ late-game heroics and growing legend for cool under pressure hit a new level last week. He led Chicago back from a 21-3 deficit with a team-playoff record 361 passing yards to lift the Bears over the rival Green Bay Packers, the first postseason win for the franchise since 2011. It was the seventh game-winning fourth-quarter drive for Williams this season.

“I feel calm in those moments. I feel my conditioning is the best in those moments. I feel that I’m the best in those moments because of what I’ve prepared to be in those moments,” Williams said. “For myself, it’s just ‘next play, next play, next play,’ and then when you have to go make a play, it’s life or death in those moments.”

As the Rams roll into Chicago (12-6), the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs, the challenge is heating back up following a 34-31 win over the Panthers in the wild-card round last Saturday. Frigid temperatures are in the forecast for gametime — highs in the teens with snow flurries around kickoff time at 6:30 p.m. ET.

A little precipitation and chill might not hurt Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is 4-1 at Chicago in his career when the kickoff temperature is below 40 degrees. He’s not alone. L.A.’s lead running back, Kyren Williams, is from St. Louis and played at Notre Dame. Wide receiver Davante Adams, the NFL leader with 14 touchdown catches, spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Packers and knows his way around frosty Soldier Field, too.

Stafford said he’s not feeling any pain or lingering issues with his sprained right index finger. He was hurt at Carolina last week but didn’t miss a snap and led the Rams to a comeback win with 304 yards and three TDs.

Williams had 3,942 passing yards and 27 touchdowns in 2025. The Rams are quick and relentless along the defensive line and had 47 sacks in the regular season. Los Angeles (13-5) will test Williams’ eye discipline and gauge the readiness of left tackles Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones, activated from injured reserve this week. Both have started this season, but the Bears lost Ozzy Trapilo (knee) to a season-ending injury against the Packers.

“Obviously it’s a bit of a whirlwind,” Benedet said of coming off the bench last week for the game-winning drive and resuming his role as the starting left tackle.

It’s not unthinkable the game could be won by two dudes under stocking hats on the sideline.

Rams coach Sean McVay and Bears coach Ben Johnson are regarded as two of the game’s brightest offensive minds. McVay enters his 15th career playoff game against a 15th different team but is very familiar with Johnson, who shares common pupils with McVay in Stafford and Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Before McVay helped pry Stafford from Detroit in a trade, Johnson was on the coaching staff with the Lions for two seasons. Then the Rams sent Goff to the Lions in the QB swap.

“He does a great job. I’ve studied him really closely since he took over and started it doing it in Detroit,” McVay said. “I think what shows his flexibility is the ability to have one of the best offenses with a player like Jared, who’s really special, and then being able to have some similar foundational principles with Caleb but also accentuate the things that make him really unique with the athleticism, move the spot and take advantage of their skill around it.”

Bears fans will recognize the bloodlines of the Rams’ offensive coordinator — Mike LaFleur — and Packers coach Matt LaFleur and McVay are longtime friends and coaching allies from their days as assistants with the Washington Commanders organization.

Did McVay phone a friend for tips on taking down the Bears?

“What do you think? We watch the tape, we do our work, and Matt is a very close friend of mine,” he said.

Year 17 has been a brilliant season for Stafford. He led the NFL in passing yards (4,707) and touchdowns (46) in the regular season. Adams and Puka Nacua, the league leader with 129 receptions, loom as massive worries even for a defense that was first in the NFL in interceptions (23) and takeaways (33).

“I’ve got so much respect for that guy. You talk about the ultimate competitor,” Johnson said. “He’s one of the more talented throwers of the football I’ve ever been around. He’s outstanding. He’s a great teammate. … His toughness. Physical toughness.”

McVay said the Rams are spending extra time drilling all 11 defensive players on playing until they hear a whistle because of Williams’ flair for flourishing on unrehearsed extensions of busted plays.

“Some of those second reaction plays where he’s getting flushed to his right or getting flushed to his left and guys understand how to be able to work with him,” McVay said, “those are the ones that are really scary.”

When he lost No. 1 wide receiver Rome Odunze for five weeks due to a foot injury, Williams turned to rookie tight end Colston Loveland to fill that void. Loveland, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft, had eight receptions for 137 yards last week.

“I know Caleb has an immense amount of trust in him,” Johnson said. “He’s one of the first ones in the building every single day. He is always studying his playbook while he’s eating breakfast. He is always the last one off the practice field, doing the jugs machine. Model of consistency, which for a rookie speaks volumes.”

The winner of Sunday’s game plays in the NFC title game next week, meeting either the San Francisco 49ers (13-5) or Seattle Seahawks (14-3).

The Rams beat the 49ers in the 2021 NFC Championship, 20-17, and beat the Saints in the 2018 conference championship game.

Chicago last won the NFC Championship Game in 2006 and also won in 1985 prior to winning Super Bowl XX. The Bears lost the 2010 NFC Championship to the Packers.

Rams nose tackle Poona Ford (elbow) and offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (ankle) were limited on Wednesday but plan to play Sunday. Dotson has been out since he was hurt in Week 16 against the Seahawks.

Dotson is an essential cog in the running game.

“He’s a beast. When he was playing this year, I thought he was one of the best guards, if not the best guard in the league,” Stafford said. “So if we can get him back, obviously that would be a huge boost.”

Odunze and wide receiver D.J. Moore (knee) were limited to start the week but Bears safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice.

–Field Level Media

F the Packers? Bears’ brass believes it needs to be a rivalry

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Beat the Packers is a drumbeat battlecry for the Chicago Bears every season. First-year coach Ben Johnson made it reality.

The Bears are moving on to the divisional round on the heels of their first playoff win in 15 years on Saturday night over the rival Green Bay Packers. For the second time in a month, the Bears rallied to beat the Packers after falling behind by two-plus scores.

Johnson celebrated in the locker room with a fiery, expletive-laced speech. Video captured reached social media platforms and Johnson is seen red-faced shouting “Man, F— the Packers. F— Them! F—— hate those guys!”

The origin of the disdain for Green Bay is not a topic Johnson wanted to discuss after the game, but it’s not the first time he brought up beating Green Bay. The former Lions offensive coordinator went 0-2 against Detroit this season, but pointed out at his introductory press conference how much he “enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year” while working for the Lions.

The tone and tenor from Johnson, nearly as much as the result, has been a big hit in Chicago.

Chicago was 2-1 against the Packers this season without even taking an offensive snap with the lead.

Quarterback Caleb Williams already has three wins against the Packers. Before he arrived and dating back to Brett Favre starting for the Packers in 1992, Chicago had only 15 total wins against Green Bay.

Pressed Monday about exploring the roots of his budding rivalry with LaFleur and Green Bay, Johnson introduced no apologies or regrets for his foul language.

“Like I said before, there’s a rivalry that exists between these two teams,” Johnson said. “Something I fully recognize and I’m a part of. I don’t like that team. (Bears chairman and controlling owner) George (McCaskey) and I have talked, and we’re on the same page.”

–Field Level Media