Dan Wiederer

Dan Wiederer is a former Bears reporter for the Tribune.

Bears coach Ben Johnson is interviewed at the NFL annual meetings Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

4 Chicago Bears observations from the NFL owners meetings, including Ben Johnson’s competitive edge starting to show

April 4, 2025 at 11:07 a.m.

New Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson won't shy away from a little competitive friction. It's part of what makes coaching such a passion pursuit for him.

Bears President Kevin Warren talks on the sideline before a game against the Lions at Ford Field in Detroit on Nov. 28, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune)

Momentum for Chicago Bears stadium project may be shifting back toward Arlington Heights

April 3, 2025 at 8:15 a.m.

Chicago Bears President Kevin Warren confirmed at the NFL owners meetings that the team no longer has a singular focus on building its new stadium downtown.

Bears chairman George McCaskey walks onto the field before the Hall of Fame Game against the Texans at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on Aug. 1, 2024, in Canton, Ohio. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

George McCaskey has no intention for family to sell the Chicago Bears: ‘Another 100 years would be great’

April 2, 2025 at 2:39 p.m.

Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey is determined to keep the franchise in his family's hands for a long time to come.

Bears coach Ben Johnson is interviewed at the NFL owners meetings on April 1, 2025, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson — with the NFL draft nearing and a minicamp next week — has his foot on the gas

April 1, 2025 at 4:03 p.m.

Ben Johnson has had a palpable pep to him this week at the NFL owners meetings, the enthusiasm of a new coach eager to push the Chicago Bears forward.

New Bears coach Ben Johnson speaks after being introduced on Jan. 22, 2025, at Halas Hall. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

‘He’s competitive, man.’ What we learned about Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears at the NFL owners meetings.

March 31, 2025 at 2:56 p.m.

Ben Johnson is one of 19 NFL head coaches who also serve as offensive play caller. So what do play-calling coaches value most in their OCs?

Bears coach Ben Johnson, left, listens as general manager Ryan Poles discusses moves in free agency and the trade market March 12, 2025, at Halas Hall in Lake Forest. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Is ‘winning the offseason’ a real thing? And what must the Chicago Bears do for the NFL draft to be a success?

March 20, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

An outbreak of March Mania has been detected in Chicago. Again. But it’s worth asking how much spring success really counts toward lifting the Bears out of last place.

The Falcons' Grady Jarrett, left, and Terron Ward take a selfie during opening night for the Super Bowl on Jan. 30, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Chicago Bears storylines: Grady Jarrett’s contagious passion, Dayo Odeyingbo’s fresh start and Kyler Gordon’s future

March 14, 2025 at 12:43 p.m.

Grady Jarrett's arrival in Chicago should pack a certain punch. "Just talking to him today gave me goosebumps," Bears coach Ben Johnson said.

Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (is sacked by the Colts' Dayo Odeyingbo (54) and Yannick Ngakoue on Oct. 6, 2022, in Denver. (AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Chicago Bears betting big on upside of defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo with 3-year, $48 million contract

March 10, 2025 at 4:37 p.m.

The Chicago Bears were intrigued by a possible reunion with Khalil Mack but they will bet big on Dayo Odeyingbo, a defensive end from the Indianapolis Colts.

Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams celebrates after recovering a fumble by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the second half of the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Chicago Bears’ 5 biggest positions of need — and 101 players to watch in free agency and the draft

March 7, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

After two trades to bolster their offensive line, the Chicago Bears' priorities have shifted somewhat for free agency and the NFL draft.

Rams center Jonah Jackson waits to snap the ball against the Lions on Sept. 8, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

Chicago Bears are finalizing a trade for offensive lineman Jonah Jackson, giving up a 6th-round pick

March 5, 2025 at 6:18 a.m.

A week before NFL free agency begins, the Chicago Bears got out ahead of the game with a trade they hope can bolster their offensive line.

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