Particle.news

Bears’ Ben Johnson Gets One First-Place Vote, Finishes Fourth in AP Coach of the Year

Voters rewarded Mike Vrabel for taking New England from 4-13 to the Super Bowl.

Overview

  • The Associated Press released voting totals showing Johnson placed fourth with 145 points and a single first-place vote.
  • New England’s Mike Vrabel won the award with 302 points and 19 first-place votes, followed by Jacksonville’s Liam Coen with 16 and Seattle’s Mike Macdonald with 8.
  • Johnson’s first season in Chicago produced an 11-6 record, an NFC North title, and the franchise’s first postseason win in 15 years over the Packers.
  • Fans and commentators widely labeled Johnson’s tally as a snub, calling the one first-place vote disrespectful.
  • Analysis pieces suggested the outcome could fuel Johnson and the Bears in 2026, noting his successful shift from Lions offensive coordinator and a 25.9 points-per-game offense in 2025.