In the hyper-competitive NFC North, every ranking and list sparks debate, and a recent NBC Sports evaluation has certainly stirred the pot in Chicago. Analyst Patrick Daugherty placed Bears head coach Ben Johnson at the bottom of the division's coaching hierarchy, a position that seems starkly at odds with the team's recent on-field transformation.

However, context is key. Daugherty's overall ranking placed Johnson 13th among 22 established NFL head coaches—a solid, middle-of-the-pack standing that reflects a promising start rather than a condemnation. The "worst in the North" label stems from the formidable company he keeps, including proven veterans like Green Bay's Matt LaFleur and Detroit's Dan Campbell.

This ranking overlooks the seismic shift Johnson engineered in his first year. Tasked with revitalizing a stagnant offense and developing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, Johnson delivered spectacularly. The Bears' offense catapulted from 26th to 7th in EPA per play, and Williams' sack total plummeted from a league-high 68 to a manageable 24. The team's scoring jumped by 131 points, culminating in a division title and the NFC's No. 2 seed.

The season's pinnacle was a dramatic Wild Card victory over the arch-rival Packers, a statement win that announced the Bears' return to relevance. While analysts caution about potential regression from a season filled with close victories, the foundation Johnson has built is undeniable. For a franchise and its fans accustomed to struggles, this "worst" ranking might just be the beginning of a very best era.