'Elite' Ben Johnson Praised as NFL Exec Predicts Caleb Williams, Bears Could Win NFC North 'Easily'

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has quickly made a name for himself as one of the best coaches in the NFL. Although the Bears are in the midst of a competitive battle for the NFC North title, at least one league executive believes that Johnson's coaching could lead Chicago to the top.

"Chicago is the best-coached," an AFC executive told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "[Johnson's] elite. One of the best in the NFL and only in Year 2. One of the best offenses week-in and week-out, as well. Defense is solid. Caleb [Williams] just has to play within the scheme and they will win it easily, I believe."

The Bears are currently holding a slim division lead with a 7-2 record, but the division is far from decided. The NFC North has a .736 winning percentage, which is the best through nine weeks since the 1970 merger, according to ESPN's Bill Barnwell. All four NFC North teams have at least six wins, and the Green Bay Packers are currently in last place with a 6-3 record.

Johnson is just in his second year at the helm in Chicago, but he immediately transformed a downtrodden Bears organization into a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Bears won the division with an 11-6 record in Johnson's first season with the team, and they're now looking to win the title in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2006.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has also made significant strides in his development under Johnson. The third-year passer has reduced his sack rate and improved his completion percentage since his difficult rookie season.

The Bears will enjoy a bye in Week 10 before kicking off the second half of their season against the New Orleans Saints. Chicago still has four divisional games remaining on its schedule. The Bears have yet to face the Detroit Lions, and they will look to avenge losses against the Packers and the Minnesota Vikings.