Phil Thompson

Phil Thompson is the Bears beat reporter for the Tribune and has covered many of Chicago's teams throughout his career, including the Blackhawks for 6 years.

Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar watches as players warm up for a game against the Vikings on Nov. 16, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

3 things we learned from Chicago Bears assistant coaches, including another wide-open battle at left tackle

May 21, 2026 at 6:29 p.m.

It's back to the drawing board at left tackle for Chicago Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar — and that board looks pretty similar to a year ago.

Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen covers his mouth while communicating with coaches in the fourth quarter against the Steelers on Nov. 23, 2025, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Column: ‘Coach better’? It’s more of an excuse than a strategy for the Chicago Bears’ missing pass rush.

May 17, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen didn’t shrink from the directive to “coach better” — but it’s not all on him.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams scrambles in the fourth quarter against the Packers at Soldier Field on Dec. 20, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears 2026 schedule: A closer look at each game — and our writers’ predictions

May 15, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Here's a breakdown of the complete Chicago Bears 2026 schedule, along with our writers' takes on what it all means for the team.

Bears tight end Sam Roush (87) jogs with defensive lineman Michael “Clay” Patterson during rookie minicamp Friday, May 8, 2026, at Halas Hall in Lake Forest. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

4 things we learned from Chicago Bears rookie camp, including Sam Roush’s role and Malik Muhammad’s mindset

May 11, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Tight ends have been a key component in Ben Johnson’s Chicago Bears offense. So does that signal a big role for third-round pick Sam Roush?

Bears tryout offensive lineman Joshua Kreutz (57) during rookie minicamp Friday, May 8, 2026, at Halas Hall in Lake Forest. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

Josh Kreutz — wearing his dad’s number — ‘giving it my all’ in tryout. 4 things we learned from Chicago Bears.

May 8, 2026 at 4:22 p.m.

Josh Kreutz is trying to follow in his father’s footsteps, though he has a much longer journey to Soldier Field as one of 24 rookies invited to try out with...

Bears wide receivers Rome Odunze (15) and Luther Burden III (10) wait to take the field against the Steelers on Nov. 23, 2025, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Breaking down the Chicago Bears depth chart before rookie minicamp

May 7, 2026 at 3:50 p.m.

A look at how the Chicago Bears depth chart stacks up at each position, including where the order might be in flux.

Stanford's Sam Roush scores a touchdown against San Jose State on Sept. 27, 2024, in Stanford, Calif. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Which Day 2 pick is most intriguing? Where did the Chicago Bears improve the most? 5 pressing questions.

April 30, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

The Chicago Bears drafted seven players last weekend. Now they have to figure out how those new pieces fit into the 2026 roster puzzle.

Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, left, tackles Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt on Oct. 11, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. (Lydia Ely/AP)

How much will the Chicago Bears’ top draft picks contribute as rookies in 2026?

April 27, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

How much will the Chicago Bears' top draft picks contribute as rookies in 2026? Here's a look at what their roles might be on coach Ben Johnson's team.

New Bears safety Dillon Thieneman poses for a photograph after being introduced at Halas Hall in Lake Forest on April 24, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Dillon Thieneman followed his instincts to Oregon — and ultimately on a path to the Chicago Bears

April 26, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Dillon Thieneman's foresight — seeing where he needed to be, not where he was — set him on a path to being drafted in the first round by the Chicago...

Titans first-round draft pick Carnell Tate responds to questions during a news conference at the team's training facility Friday, April 24, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV/AP)

9 Chicago-area natives and where they went in the NFL draft, including a reunion for 2 Marist teammates

April 26, 2026 at 3:42 p.m.

NFL prospects with Chicago-area roots were well-represented during the draft. Here’s a look at several of those picks.

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