Sean Hammond

Sean Hammond covers the Chicago Bears and all things sports for the Tribune.

Bears guard Joe Thuney (62) chats with his teammates on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Vikings on Sept. 8, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney among 6 finalists for inaugural NFL Protector of the Year award

January 29, 2026 at 3:14 p.m.

The new Protector of the Year award will be given annually at the NFL Honors ceremony to the league's best offensive lineman as decided by a panel of former All-Pros.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams looks to hand the ball off in overtime of the NFC divisional-round playoff game against the Rams on Jan. 18, 2026, at Soldier Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears roster breakdown: How the offensive players fared in 2025 — and their contract statuses for 2026

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

Here’s a look at how the Chicago Bears offensive players fared in 2025, what their contract statuses are and how Ryan Poles might evaluate each position.

Bears wide receivers coach and assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El yells out to his team in the third quarter against the Saints on Oct. 19, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Ben Johnson on his Chicago Bears assistants getting opportunities with other teams: ‘I’m all for it’

January 22, 2026 at 11:21 a.m.

In the NFL, success comes with attrition. Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson knows it’s possible he could lose several assistant coaches.

Chicago Bears running backs coach Eric Bieniemy looks on from the sideline in the third quarter of a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Nov. 16, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears RBs coach Eric Bieniemy returning to Kansas City Chiefs as offensive coordinator

January 21, 2026 at 9:37 p.m.

Chicago Bears running backs coach Eric Bieniemy is heading to Kansas City to become Andy Reid's offensive coordinator.

Bears receiver DJ Moore (2) walks off the field after the overtime loss to the Rams on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in an NFC divisional-round playoff game at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Is DJ Moore to blame for OT interception — and could the Chicago Bears trade the receiver this offseason?

January 21, 2026 at 2:19 p.m.

Ben Johnson took the blame for the overtime interception against the LA Rams. But the Chicago Bears will have plenty to discuss about receiver DJ Moore this offseason.

Chicago Bears running back Brittain Brown celebrates his touchdown with tight end Colston Loveland against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears sign 14 players to futures contracts for 2026

January 20, 2026 at 4:34 p.m.

The Chicago Bears signed 14 players to futures contracts on Tuesday. These players will be with the team heading into 2026.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams walks through while players clear out their lockers Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at Halas Hall. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Caleb Williams’ teammates say the Chicago Bears QB ‘put it all out there on the line’ this season

January 19, 2026 at 3:20 p.m.

The Chicago Bears are "encouraged" by what they hope is a bright future ahead for QB Caleb Williams' pairing with coach Ben Johnson.

Rams linebacker Nate Landman celebrates after a pass from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams to wide receiver Luther Burden III is incomplete on fourth-and-goal in the fourth quarter of an NFC divisional playoff game Jan. 18, 2026, at Soldier Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears season ends with no Ben Johnson postgame victory speech, only a ‘crushing’ loss

January 19, 2026 at 1:40 a.m.

There was no victory speech from Ben Johnson on Sunday, only a "crushing" end to the season. The 2025 Chicago Bears took the city on a wild ride.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams leaves the field after the team's 20-17 overtime loss to the Rams on Jan. 18, 2026, in an NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Playoff recap: Chicago Bears season ends with 20-17 OT loss to LA Rams after incredible tying TD

January 19, 2026 at 6:25 a.m.

The Chicago Bears were painfully close to their first NFC title game appearance in 15 years. But with Caleb Williams' third pick, a magical season began to slip from their...

Chase Rice arrives at the 58th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on May 11, 2023, at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)

Country music star Chase Rice — Ben Johnson’s good friend — will perform Sunday’s Bears-Rams halftime show

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

Chase Rice and Ben Johnson were high school and college teammates. On Sunday, Johnson will coach the biggest Bears game in 15 years, while Rice performs at halftime.

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