What Happened to Chicago Bears?

The Chicago Bears entered a period of significant rebuilding and strategic moves from 2023 to 2026, aiming to return to consistent competitiveness. The 2023 season, their second under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, saw a slight improvement to a 7-10 record after a dismal 0-4 start. Key acquisitions like wide receiver D.J. Moore, obtained in a blockbuster trade that sent the 2023 No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, and defensive end Montez Sweat, significantly bolstered the team, particularly the defense which became the league's top rushing defense and tied for first in interceptions.

The 2024 season, however, proved challenging, with the team finishing 5-12. Head coach Matt Eberflus was fired in November 2024 after a 4-8 start, with Thomas Brown taking over as interim head coach. This season was pivotal for the franchise's future, as they drafted quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick and wide receiver Rome Odunze in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. They also acquired veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen via trade and signed running back D'Andre Swift, signaling a clear intent to build a high-powered offense around Williams.

Following the 2024 season, Ben Johnson was hired as the new head coach, and the team experienced a significant turnaround in 2025, winning the NFC North title. This success positioned them as contenders entering the 2026 season. In March 2025, star receiver D.J. Moore signed a four-year contract extension through 2029. However, in a surprising move in March 2026, Moore was traded to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2026 fifth-round pick, indicating a shift in offensive strategy or a move to acquire more draft capital.

The 2026 offseason saw further coaching adjustments, with Press Taylor being promoted to Offensive Coordinator in February 2026 after Declan Doyle departed for the Baltimore Ravens. Eric Studesville was also hired as the running backs coach. The team's 2026 draft class included safety Dillon Thieneman (25th overall), tight end Sam Roush (69th overall), and cornerback Malik Muhammad, among others. General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Ben Johnson expressed confidence in the team's ability to defend their NFC North title despite some training camp injuries and the trade of Gervon Dexter Sr.

Perhaps the most significant ongoing development for the franchise is the stadium saga. The Bears purchased a 326-acre property in Arlington Heights, Illinois, for $200 million in 2023, with plans for a $2 billion stadium and a $3 billion mixed-use entertainment district. However, difficulties in securing public funding and property tax benefits in Illinois led the team to explore alternatives. In June 2026, the Bears announced their intention to build a new domed stadium in Hammond, Indiana, and their board voted to advance the project, conducting due diligence on sites like Lost Marsh Golf Course and Wolf Lake Terminal. Despite the team's public focus on Indiana, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated in late August and early September 2026 that Illinois and Arlington Heights still have an opportunity to present their best offer, leaving the stadium's future unresolved as of September 2, 2026.