In what is being widely called one of the more surprising outcomes of the NFL awards season, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson was almost nowhere to be seen in the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year tally despite turning around a struggling franchise in his first season on the job.
Johnson, who took a Bears squad that finished 5–12 a year ago and transformed them into an 11–6 NFC North champion with its first playoff win in 15 years, received just one first-place vote out of 50 total ballots cast. That’s a mere 2% of the vote, a figure that has provoked jaw-drops and raised eyebrows across the NFL community.
Coach of the Year voting:
Mike Vrabel: 19
Liam Coen: 16
Mike Macdonald: 8
Kyle Shanahan: 6
Ben Johnson: 1
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 6, 2026
The lone vote stands in stark contrast to Johnson’s impact: instilling belief in a franchise long starved for success and orchestrating thrilling comebacks that had fans roaring all season. His Bears weren’t just winning games — they were winning hearts.
That one vote, some critics argue, feels more like a token than recognition. The number of voters who put Johnson atop their ballots pales in comparison to new Coach of the Year honoree Mike Vrabel, who led the New England Patriots from a 4–13 team to a 14–3 powerhouse.
Still, Johnson’s supporters see hope. The coach’s fiery passion and the remarkable culture shift he sparked in Chicago could easily fuel motivation heading into 2026. If the Bears continue their ascent next season, Johnson may well convert critics into believers long before next year’s awards.
