Editing Chicago Bears (section)

==History==
{{main|History of the Chicago Bears}}

===1919–1939: Early Bears===
{{Blockquote|In March of 1920 a man telephoned me ... George Chamberlain and he was general superintendent of the A.E. Staley Company ... In 1919<!--Yes, 1919. This is NOT a typo-->, [the company's Fellowship Club] had formed a football team. It had done well against other local teams but Mr. Staley wanted to build it into a team that could compete successfully with the best semi-professional and industrial teams in the country ... Mr. Chamberlain asked if I would like to come to Decatur and work for the Staley Company.|[[George Halas]], in his book ''Halas by Halas''.<ref name=Halas/>}}

[[File:Pete Rozelle and George Halas.jpg|thumb|left|Bears founder [[George Halas]] (right) with NFL commissioner [[Pete Rozelle]], early 1980s]]
Originally named the '''Decatur Staleys''', the club was established by the [[A. E. Staley]] food starch company of [[Decatur, Illinois]], as a company team. This was the typical start for several early professional football franchises. The team played independently in [[1919 Decatur Staleys season|1919]], winning the Central Illinois Championship.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |last=Conn |first=Justin |date=September 17, 2018 |title=The Chicago Bears NFL franchise began in Decatur as the Staleys |url=https://herald-review.com/news/local/the-chicago-bears-nfl-franchise-began-in-decatur-as-the/article_c6273ddc-07ba-53b8-bd12-f9742c6956e6.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228084709/https://herald-review.com/news/local/the-chicago-bears-nfl-franchise-began-in-decatur-as-the/article_c6273ddc-07ba-53b8-bd12-f9742c6956e6.html |archive-date=December 28, 2018 |access-date=December 28, 2018 |publisher=Herald & Review}}</ref> The company hired [[George Halas]] and [[Edward Sternaman|Edward "Dutch" Sternaman]] in 1920 to run the team. The [[1920 Decatur Staleys season]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.independentfootball.site90.com/Teams/1920DecStaleys.htm |title=1920 Decatur Staleys |publisher=Independentfootball.site90.com |access-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716075300/http://www.independentfootball.site90.com/Teams/1920DecStaleys.htm |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> was their inaugural [[Regular Season (NFL)|regular season]] completed in the newly formed American Professional Football Association (later renamed the [[National Football League]] (NFL) in 1922).

Full control of the team was turned over to Halas and Sternaman in 1921.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Decatur Staleys |work=Local Website |url=http://home.comcast.net/~esterneman/sternaman/football.htm |access-date=June 15, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20040223062149/http://home.comcast.net/~esterneman/sternaman/football.htm |archive-date=February 23, 2004 }}</ref> Official team and league records cite Halas as the founder as he took over the team in 1920 when it became a charter member of the NFL.<ref>{{cite web|title=George Halas: Hall of Fame Member|work=Pro Football Hall of Fame|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=85|access-date=May 14, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060405133723/http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?PLAYER_ID=85|archive-date=April 5, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref>

The team moved to Chicago in 1921, where the club was renamed the '''Chicago Staleys'''; Under an agreement reached by Halas and Sternaman with Staley, they received US$5,000 to keep the name "Staleys" for the 1921 season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chicago Bears Team History|url=https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/chicago-bears/team-history/|website=Pro Football Hall of Fame|language=en-US|access-date=January 3, 2024|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611193128/https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/chicago-bears/team-history/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1922, Halas changed the team name from the Staleys to the '''Bears'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/history-by-decades/highlights-1920s.html |title=Highlights from the 1920s |publisher=Chicago Bears |access-date=December 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416071306/http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/history-by-decades/highlights-1920s.html |archive-date=April 16, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The team moved into [[Wrigley Field]], home of the [[Chicago Cubs]] [[baseball]] franchise. As with several early NFL franchises, the Bears derived their nickname from their city's baseball team (bears' young are called "cubs").<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chicagoist.com/2007/01/31/ask_chicagoist_why_are_they_called_the_bears.php |title=Ask Chicagoist: Why Are They Called the Bears? |last=Exoo |first=Thales |publisher=[[Gothamist]] |date=January 31, 2007 |website=Chicagoist |access-date=December 19, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510153921/http://chicagoist.com/2007/01/31/ask_chicagoist_why_are_they_called_the_bears.php |archive-date=May 10, 2017 }}</ref> Halas liked the bright orange-and-blue colors of his alma mater, the [[University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign|University of Illinois]], and the Bears adopted those colors as their own, albeit in a darker shade of each (the blue is [[Pantone]] 5395, [[navy blue]], and the orange is Pantone 1665, similar to burnt orange).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/uniform-history.html |title=Chicago Bears Uniform History |publisher=Chicago Bears |access-date=December 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407205428/http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/uniform-history.html |archive-date=April 7, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://prod.static.bears.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/cb_brand_book_050410.pdf#page=15 |title=The Chicago Bears Brand |publisher=Chicago Bears |format=PDF |access-date=December 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304230137/http://prod.static.bears.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/cb_brand_book_050410.pdf#page=15 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Staleys/Bears dominated the league in the early years. Their rivalry with the [[Arizona Cardinals|Chicago Cardinals]], the oldest in the NFL (and a crosstown rival from 1920 to 1959), was key in four out of the first six league titles. During the league's first six years, the Bears lost twice to the [[Canton Bulldogs]] (who took two league titles over that span), and split with their crosstown rival Cardinals (going 4–4–2 against each other over that span), but no other team in the league defeated the Bears more than a single time. During that span, the Bears posted 34 shutouts.

The Bears' rivalry with the [[Green Bay Packers]] is one of the oldest and most storied in American professional sports, dating back to 1921 (the Green Bay Packers were an independent team until they joined the NFL in 1921). In one infamous incident that year, Halas got the Packers expelled from the league in order to prevent their signing a particular player, and then graciously got them re-admitted after the Bears had closed the deal with that player.<ref>{{cite web|last=Peterson |first=Brian |title=Love-Hate Relationship: Bears-Packers Rivalry Always Bittersweet |url=http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2000/09/28/1/ |publisher=Green Bay Packers |date=September 28, 2000 |access-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107015852/http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2000/09/28/1/ |archive-date=January 7, 2010 }}</ref>

[[File:1924bears.jpg|left|thumb|The 1924 team photo]]The franchise was an early success under Halas, capturing the NFL Championship in {{nfly|1921}} and remaining competitive throughout the decade. In 1924 the Bears claimed the Championship after defeating the [[Cleveland Bulldogs]] on December 7, even putting the title "World's Champions" on their 1924 team photo. But the NFL had ruled that games after November 30 did not count towards league standings, and the Bears had to settle for second place behind Cleveland.<ref>{{cite web|title=1924: The Third Time is Charmed |work=PFRA |url=http://footballresearch.com/articles/frpage.cfm?topic=1924b |access-date=February 7, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013105712/http://footballresearch.com/articles/frpage.cfm?topic=1924b |archive-date=October 13, 2007 }}</ref> Their only losing season came in {{nfly|1929}}.

During the 1920s the club was responsible for triggering the NFL's long-standing rule that a player could not be signed until his college's senior class had graduated. The NFL took that action as a consequence of the Bears' aggressive signing of famous University of Illinois player [[Red Grange]] within a day of his final game as a collegian.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Larry  |title=Galloping Ghost scared opponents |url=https://www.espn.com/sportscentury/features/00014213.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051231152202/http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00014213.html |archive-date=December 31, 2005 |access-date=December 1, 2005 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

Despite much of the on-field success, the Bears were a team in trouble. They faced the problem of increased operating costs and flatlined attendance. The Bears would only draw roughly 5,000–6,000 fans a game, while a University of Chicago game would draw 40,000–50,000 fans a game. By adding top college football draw Red Grange to the roster, the Bears knew that they found something to draw more fans to their games. C.C. Pyle was able to secure a $2,000 per game contract for Grange, and in one of the first games, the Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers, 21–0. However, Grange remained on the sidelines while learning the team's plays from Bears quarterback [[Joey Sternaman]]. Later in 1925, The Bears would go on a barnstorming tour, showing off the best football player of the day. 75,000 people paid to see Grange lead the Bears to a 17–7 victory over the Los Angeles Tigers, who were a quickly put together team of West Coast college all-stars. After a loss to San Francisco, the Bears cruised to a 60–3 over a semi-pro team called the Portland All Stars.<ref name="ChicagoBears">{{cite book |last1=Whittingham |first1=Richard |last2=Ditka |first2=Mike |title=The Chicago Bears: From George Halas to Super Bowl XX |year=1986 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |isbn=978-0-671-62885-7 |oclc=13795870 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/chicagobearsfrom0000whit }}</ref>

Any hopes that Grange would lead the Bears to glory in 1926 were quickly dashed. A failed contract talk led to Grange bolting to the AFL's [[New York Yankees (NFL)|New York Yankees]], owned by Pyle. The Bears also lost star quarterback Joey Sternaman, who joined the [[Chicago Bulls (AFL, 1926)|Chicago Bulls of the AFL]]. The Bears replaced Grange with Paddy Driscoll, a star football player in his own right. The Bears used the money made from the Grange barn-storming tour to sign the man that replaced him. Grange split his time between making movies and playing football. However, the time was not right to have two competing pro football leagues, and the AFL folded after only one season. Grange would return to the Bears.<ref name="ChicagoBears" />

After the financial losses of the {{nfly|1932}} Championship season, Halas' partner Dutch Sternaman left the organization. Halas maintained full control of the Bears until his death in 1983. He also coached the team off-and-on for forty seasons, an NFL record. In the [[NFL Playoff Game, 1932|1932 "Unofficial" NFL Championship]], the Bears defeated the [[Portsmouth Spartans]] in the first NFL playoff game.<ref name=fpg>{{cite web|url=https://www.profootballhof.com/football-history/decades-1930s-first-playoff-game/|title=First Playoff Game|publisher=[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]|accessdate=November 28, 2023}}</ref> Due to blizzard conditions in Chicago, the game was played at [[Chicago Stadium]],<ref name=fpg/><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF-MYaFH6us|title=Doc Emrick tells the odd tale of the 1932 NFL Championship Game|publisher=[[NBC Sports]]|via=[[YouTube]]|date=December 12, 2021|accessdate=November 28, 2023|archive-date=March 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320050232/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF-MYaFH6us|url-status=live}}</ref> marking it as the first indoor American football game.

The success of the playoff game led the NFL to institute a championship game. In the first [[History of NFL Championships|NFL Championship]], the Bears played against the [[New York Giants]], defeating them 23–21. The teams met again in the [[1934 NFL Championship Game|1934 NFL Championship]] where the [[1933 New York Giants season|Giants]], wearing sneakers<ref>See [[1934 NFL Championship Game]] for more information on how the Giants wore sneakers and defeated the Bears</ref> defeated the Bears 30–13 on a cold, icy day at the [[Polo Grounds]].

===1940s: The Monsters of the Midway===
From 1940 to 1947, [[quarterback]] [[Sid Luckman]] led the Bears to victories in four out of the five NFL Championship Games in which they appeared. The team acquired the [[University of Chicago]]'s discarded nickname "[[Monsters of the Midway]]" and their famous helmet [[wishbone-C]], as well as a newly penned [[Bear Down, Chicago Bears|theme song]] that declared them "The Pride and Joy of Illinois". One famous victory during that period was their 73–0 victory over the favored [[1939 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] at [[Griffith Stadium]] in the [[1940 NFL Championship Game]];<ref name="j957" /> the score is still an NFL record for lopsided results.<ref>{{cite web|title=General History — Chronology (1940 to 1959)|work=Pro Football Hall of Fame|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/history/general/chronology/1940-1959.jsp|access-date=January 1, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060213031909/http://www.profootballhof.com/history/general/chronology/1940-1959.jsp|archive-date=February 13, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> The secret behind the one-sided outcome was the introduction of a new offensive formation by Halas. The [[T-formation]], as Halas named it, involved two [[running back]]s instead of the traditional one in the backfield. Luckman established himself as one of the franchise's most elite quarterbacks. Between 1939 and 1950, he set the Bears' passing records for most career touchdowns, yards, and completions. Many of Luckman's records stood for decades before they were eclipsed by [[Jay Cutler]] in {{NFL Year|2014}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sid Luckman|work=Pro Football Hall of Fame|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=135|access-date=July 12, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907082245/http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=135|archive-date=September 7, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref>
Cutler then went on to break Luckman's franchise record for most career passing touchdowns a year later in {{NFL Year|2015}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2015 |title=Cutler sets Bears record with 138th TD pass |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14094573/jay-cutler-sets-chicago-bears-record-138th-touchdown-pass |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110210713/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14094573/jay-cutler-sets-chicago-bears-record-138th-touchdown-pass |archive-date=November 10, 2015 |access-date=January 25, 2016 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

===1950s–1968: Late-Halas era===
[[File:8X10A 1961 Chicago Bears o-line practice 1.jpg|thumb|1961 Bears offensive line practicing for the [[Armed Forces Benefit Football Game]]]]
After declining throughout the 1950s, the team rebounded in {{nfly|1963}} to capture its eighth NFL Championship, which would be its last until 1985.<ref name="h741">{{cite web | last=Coppock | first=Chet | title=Bears defeat Giants 14-10 for 1963 championship | website=Chicago Bears | date=2013-12-27 | url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-defeat-giants-14-10-for-1963-championship-12278583 | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802195945/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-defeat-giants-14-10-for-1963-championship-12278583 | url-status=live }}</ref> The late 1960s and early-1970s produced notable players like [[Dick Butkus]], [[Gale Sayers]], and [[Brian Piccolo]],<ref>the subject of the film ''[[Brian's Song]]''</ref> who died of [[embryonal carcinoma]] in 1970. The American television network [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] aired a movie about Piccolo in 1971 entitled ''[[Brian's Song]]'', starring [[James Caan (actor)|James Caan]] and [[Billy Dee Williams]] in the roles of Piccolo and Sayers respectively; [[Jack Warden]] won an [[Emmy Award]] for his performance as Halas. The movie was later released for theater screenings after first being shown on television. Despite Hall of Fame careers, Butkus and Sayers would also have their careers cut short due to injuries, hamstringing the Bears of this era.

Halas retired as coach in [[1967 Chicago Bears season|1967]] and spent the rest of his days in the front office.<ref name="r846">{{cite web | title=The Story of "Papa Bear" George Halas | website=University of Illinois Athletics | date=2020-02-02 | url=https://fightingillini.com/news/2020/2/2/general-the-story-of-papa-bear-george-halas.aspx | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=September 14, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914224536/https://fightingillini.com/news/2020/2/2/general-the-story-of-papa-bear-george-halas.aspx | url-status=live }}</ref> He became the only person to be involved with the NFL throughout the first 60 years of its existence. He was also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's first induction class in 1963.<ref name="u291">{{cite web | title=Inaugural HOF Class of 1963 | website=Pro Football Hall of Fame | date=1963-01-29 | url=https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2020/09/inaugural-hof-class-of-1963/#:~:text=The%20first%20class%20of%20enshrinees,Joe%20Carr%2C%20Tim%20Mara%20and | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802200117/https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2020/09/inaugural-hof-class-of-1963/#:~:text=The%20first%20class%20of%20enshrinees,Joe%20Carr%2C%20Tim%20Mara%20and | url-status=live }}</ref> As the only living founder of the NFL at the February 1970 [[AFL-NFL Merger|merger]] between the NFL and the [[American Football League]], the owners honored Halas by electing him the first President of the [[National Football Conference]], a position that he held until his death in 1983. In his honor, the NFL named the NFC Championship trophy as the [[NFC Championship|George Halas Memorial Trophy]].<ref name="h712">{{cite web | last=Kozlowski | first=Joe | title=Who were Lamar Hunt and George Halas, and why are trophies named for them? | website=Newsweek | date=2024-01-28 | url=https://www.newsweek.com/who-were-lamar-hunt-george-halas-why-are-nfl-trophies-named-them-1864064 | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802200048/https://www.newsweek.com/who-were-lamar-hunt-george-halas-why-are-nfl-trophies-named-them-1864064 | url-status=live }}</ref>

===1969–1982: Struggles===
[[File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 12 - Walter Payton (Walter Payton crop).jpg|thumb|Payton set several franchise and NFL records in rushing during his 13-season career with the Bears.]]
After the merger, the Bears finished the [[1970 Chicago Bears season|1970 season]] last place in their division, a repeat of their placing in the [[1969 Chicago Bears season|1969 season]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1970 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1970.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007202641/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1970.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In [[1975 Chicago Bears season|1975]], the Bears [[1975 NFL draft|drafted]] [[Walter Payton]] from [[Jackson State University]] with their first pick.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/payton-keyed-bears-outstanding-1975-draft|title=Payton keyed Bears' outstanding 1975 draft|website=chicagobears.com|date=April 17, 2020|accessdate=April 15, 2024|archive-date=December 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208060905/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/payton-keyed-bears-outstanding-1975-draft|url-status=live}}</ref> He won the [[NFL Most Valuable Player award]] in the [[1977 NFL season|1977–78 season]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Walter Payton's Statistics|work=Pro Football Hall of Fame|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=174|access-date=June 3, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060628020941/http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?PLAYER_ID=174|archive-date=June 28, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Remembering Walter Payton |work=Daily Herald |url=http://www.dailyherald.com/special/payton/timeline.htm |access-date=June 11, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813132908/http://www.dailyherald.com/special/payton/timeline.htm |archive-date=August 13, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Payton would go on to eclipse [[Jim Brown]]'s NFL career [[rush (American football)|rushing]] record in 1984 before retiring in 1987, and would hold the mark until {{nfly|2002}}, when [[Emmitt Smith]] of the [[Dallas Cowboys]] surpassed it.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Smith passes Payton as NFL's career rushing leader|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2002/10/27/smith_record_ap/|access-date=June 16, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040626162916/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2002/10/27/smith_record_ap/|archive-date=June 26, 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref> Payton's career and personality would capture the hearts of Bear fans, who called him "Sweetness".<ref name="q483">{{cite web | last=Mayer | first=Larry | title=Sweetness left a legacy of love | website=Chicago Bears | date=2023-02-14 | url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/sweetness-left-a-legacy-of-love | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802195745/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/sweetness-left-a-legacy-of-love | url-status=live }}</ref> He died from a rare form of liver cancer in 1999 at the age of 45.<ref name="d335">{{cite news | title=All-Time Rushing Leader Payton Dies of Cancer | newspaper=Washington Post | date=1999-11-02 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/daily/nov99/02/payton2.htm?itid=lk_inline_manual_8 | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=November 22, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122010039/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/daily/nov99/02/payton2.htm?itid=lk_inline_manual_8 | url-status=live }}</ref>

On November 1, 1983, a day after the death of George Halas, his oldest daughter, Virginia McCaskey, took over as the majority owner of the team.<ref name="w943">{{cite web | last=Mayer | first=Larry | title=Mrs. McCaskey 'a source of daily inspiration' | website=Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey 'a daily source of inspiration' | date=2021-03-08 | url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/mrs-mccaskey-a-source-of-daily-inspiration | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802200220/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/mrs-mccaskey-a-source-of-daily-inspiration | url-status=live }}</ref> Her husband, [[Ed McCaskey]], succeeded her father as the chairman of the board.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ed McCaskey |work=Cook County Clerk |url=http://www.cookctyclerk.com/html/041503resdoc.htm |access-date=December 13, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901175938/http://www.cookctyclerk.com/html/041503resdoc.htm |archive-date=September 1, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Their son Michael became the third president in team history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mike McCaskey |work=ChicagoBears Official Website |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/history_80s.asp |access-date=December 13, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070121040604/http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/history_80s.asp |archive-date=January 21, 2007 }}</ref> Virginia holds the honorary title of "secretary of the board of directors", but has been called the glue that holds the franchise together.<ref name="luvhsr">{{cite web|title=McCaskey|work=Cranes Chicago Business|url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=9999100024665|access-date=July 12, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515230439/http://www.chicagobusiness.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=9999100024665|archive-date=May 15, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Virginia's reign as the owner of the Bears was not planned, as her father originally earmarked her brother, [[George Halas Jr.|George "Mugs" Halas Jr.]] as the heir apparent to the franchise. However, he died of a heart attack in 1979.<ref name="y409">{{cite web | title=GEORGE HALAS JR., 54, DIES IN CHICAGO President of Pro Football's Bears Was Son of Team's Founder | website=The New York Times | date=1979-12-17 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/12/17/archives/george-halas-jr-54-dies-in-chicago-president-of-pro-footballs-bears.html | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802200358/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/12/17/archives/george-halas-jr-54-dies-in-chicago-president-of-pro-footballs-bears.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Her impact on the team is well-noted as her own family has dubbed her "The First Lady of Sports", and the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' has listed her as one of Chicago's most powerful women.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chicago's Most Powerful Women|work=Chicago Sun-Times| url=http://www.suntimes.com/special_sections/powerful_women/sports_mccaskey.html|access-date=April 24, 2004|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20040511081119/http://www.suntimes.com/special_sections/powerful_women/sports_mccaskey.html|archive-date=May 11, 2004}}</ref>

===1983–1985: Contenders, then Super Bowl champions===
[[File:Mike Ditka.jpg|thumb|Bears Hall of Famer [[Mike Ditka]] is the only person in the modern era to win an NFL championship as a player and coach for the Chicago Bears.]]
[[Mike Ditka]], a [[tight end]] for the Bears from [[1961 Chicago Bears season|1961]] to [[1966 Chicago Bears season|1966]], was hired to coach the team by George Halas in [[1982 Chicago Bears season|1982]].<ref name="w706">{{cite web | last=Hawley | first=Larry | title=Throwback Thursday: 40 years since the Bears' hiring of Mike Ditka | website=WGN-TV | date=2022-01-21 | url=https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/throwback-thursday-40-years-since-the-bears-hiring-of-mike-ditka/ | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802195506/https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-news-now/throwback-thursday-40-years-since-the-bears-hiring-of-mike-ditka/ | url-status=live }}</ref> His gritty personality earned him the nickname "Iron Mike".<ref name="f122">{{cite web | title=The Legend of 'Iron Mike' | website=225 Years | url=https://www.225.pitt.edu/story/legend-%27iron-mike%27 | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802200409/https://www.225.pitt.edu/story/legend-%27iron-mike%27 | url-status=live }}</ref> The team reached the NFC Championship game, losing to the San Francisco 49ers 23–0, in 1984.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers - January 6th, 1985 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198501060sfo.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=February 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228222526/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198501060sfo.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[1985 Chicago Bears season|1985 season]] the fire in the Bears–Packers rivalry was re-lit when Ditka used 315-pound defensive tackle [[William Perry (football)|"Refrigerator" Perry]] as a running back in a [[touchdown]] play at [[Lambeau Field]], against the Packers.<ref name="b869">{{cite web | last=Parolin | first=John | title=MNF moments, No. 34: The Fridge scores | website=ESPN.com | date=2014-08-05 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/133459/mnf-moments-no-34-the-fridge-scores | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802200637/https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/133459/mnf-moments-no-34-the-fridge-scores | url-status=live }}</ref> The Bears won their ninth NFL Championship, first since the [[AFL-NFL merger]], in Super Bowl XX after the 1985 season in which they dominated the NFL with their then-revolutionary [[46 defense]] and a cast of characters that recorded the novelty rap song "[[The Super Bowl Shuffle]]".<ref name="l415">{{cite web | title=BEARS TROUNCE PATRIOTS, 46-10, IN SUPER BOWL | website=The New York Times | date=1986-01-27 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/27/sports/bears-trounce-patriots-46-10-in-super-bowl.html | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=June 15, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615155606/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/27/sports/bears-trounce-patriots-46-10-in-super-bowl.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="p168">{{cite web | last=Dufresne | first=Chris | title=Bears Have the Muscle to Back Up Their Video : They Make Certain That 'Super Bowl Shuffle' Is No 'Dewey Beats Truman' | website=Los Angeles Times | date=1986-01-13 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-01-13-sp-27736-story.html | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802200513/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-01-13-sp-27736-story.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The season was notable in that the Bears had only one loss, the "unlucky 13th" game of the season, a [[Monday Night Football|Monday night]] affair in which they were defeated by the [[Miami Dolphins]].<ref name="g035">{{cite web | last=Sugrue | first=Brendan | title=Throwback Thursday: '85 Bears lose only game of the season vs. Dolphins | website=Bears Wire | publisher=USA Today | date=2021-12-02 | url=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/02/bears-throwback-thursday-1985-loss-to-dolphins/ | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802200713/https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/02/bears-throwback-thursday-1985-loss-to-dolphins/ | url-status=live }}</ref> At the time, much was made of the fact that the {{nfly|1972}} [[1972 Miami Dolphins season|Dolphins]] were the only franchise in history to have had an [[perfect season|undefeated season and post-season]]. The Dolphins came close to setting up a rematch in the Super Bowl, but lost to the [[1985 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] in the [[AFC Championship Game|AFC title game]]. "The Super Bowl Shuffle" was videotaped the day after that Monday night loss in Miami.<ref name="j414">{{cite web | last=Medina | first=Luis C. | title=Throwback Thursday: 1985 Bears recorded 'The Super Bowl Shuffle' on this date 30 years ago | website=Bears Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2015-12-03 | url=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2015/12/03/throwback-thursday-1985-bears-recorded-the-super-bowl-shuffle-on-this-date-30-years-ago/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

===1986–2003: Post-Super Bowl era===
After the 1985 championship season, the Bears remained competitive throughout the 1980s but failed to return to the [[Super Bowl]] under Ditka. Throughout the remainder of his tenure, Ditka led the Bears to five more postseason berths, getting as far as the NFC Championship in the 1988 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears Playoff History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/playoffs.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=October 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010020622/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/playoffs.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Between the firing of Ditka and the hiring of [[Lovie Smith]], the Bears had two head coaches, [[Dave Wannstedt]] and [[Dick Jauron]].<ref name="q839">{{cite web | last=Pierson | first=Don | title=Jan. 5, 1993: Mike Ditka loses his job with the Bears, but not his passion | website=Chicago Tribune | date=2018-01-05 | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/01/05/jan-5-1993-mike-ditka-loses-his-job-with-the-bears-but-not-his-passion/ | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dave Wannstedt Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/WannDa0.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=December 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210093644/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/WannDa0.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dick Jauron Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/JaurDi0.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=September 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904082935/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/JaurDi0.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> While both head coaches led the team to the playoffs once (Wannstedt in 1994 and Jauron in 2001), neither was able to accumulate a winning record or bring the Bears back to the Super Bowl. Therefore, the 1990s was largely considered to be a disappointment.<ref name="k296">{{cite web | last=Bernstein | first=Dan | title=100 Years of the Chicago Bears: The 1990s | website=Audacy.com | date=2019-11-27 | url=https://www.audacy.com/670thescore/blogs/dan-bernstein/100-years-of-the-chicago-bears-the-1990s | access-date=2024-07-30 | archive-date=July 30, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730221245/https://www.audacy.com/670thescore/blogs/dan-bernstein/100-years-of-the-chicago-bears-the-1990s | url-status=live }}</ref>

Before the Bears hired Jauron in January 1999, [[Dave McGinnis]] (Arizona's defensive coordinator, and a former Bears assistant under Ditka and Wannstedt) backed out of taking the head coaching position. The Bears scheduled a press conference to announce the hiring before McGinnis agreed to contract terms.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dave McGinnis|work=Bears History|url=http://www.bearshistory.com/seasons/1999chicagobears.aspx|access-date=December 13, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061208221755/http://www.bearshistory.com/seasons/1999chicagobears.aspx|archive-date=December 8, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> Soon after Jauron's hiring, Mrs. McCaskey fired her son Michael as president, replacing him with [[Ted Phillips]] and promoting Michael to [[chairman of the board]].<ref name="luvhsr"/> Phillips became the first man outside of the Halas-McCaskey family to run the team.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ted Phillips |work=Chicago Bears.com |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/team/frontofficeBio.jsp?id=29 |access-date=July 12, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060626100503/http://www.chicagobears.com/team/frontofficeBio.jsp?id=29 |archive-date=June 26, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> From 1997 to 2000, the Bears suffered four consecutive last place finishes within the division.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1997.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=May 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514160309/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1997.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1998.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925204247/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1998.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1999 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1999.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925204247/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1999.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2000.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926112657/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2000.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the 2001 season, Jim Miller took over as the primary starting quarterback and helped lead the Bears to a resurgent 13–3 record and division title.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2001.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625192240/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2001.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2001 team did not see any postseason success as they fell 33–19 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears - January 19th, 2002 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200201190chi.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516221716/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200201190chi.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2002 season saw a setback as the team went 4–12.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2002.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=April 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425205641/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2002.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The team improved to a 7–9 record in 2003 but still missed the postseason.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2003.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102118/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2003.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Jauron was fired following the end of the 2003 season.<ref name="p261">{{cite web | title=Chicago Bears fire coach Jauron | website=UPI | date=2003-12-29 | url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2003/12/29/Chicago-Bears-fire-coach-Jauron/75921072733208/ | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref>

===2004–2012: Lovie Smith era===
[[Lovie Smith]], hired on January 15, 2004, is the third post-Ditka head coach. Joining the Bears as a rookie head coach, Smith brought the highly successful [[Tampa 2]] defensive scheme with him to Chicago. Before his second season with the Bears, the team rehired their former offensive coordinator and then [[University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign|Illinois]] head coach [[Ron Turner (football coach)|Ron Turner]] to improve the Bears' struggling offense.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the Chicago Bears |work=Vividseats.com |url=http://www.vividseats.com/nfl/chicago-bears-tickets.html |access-date=October 16, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017151717/http://www.vividseats.com/nfl/chicago-bears-tickets.html |archive-date=October 17, 2006 |url-status=live }}</ref> In {{nfly|2005}}, the Bears won their division and reached the [[2005–06 NFL playoffs|playoffs]] for the first time in four years. Their previous playoff berth was earned by winning the NFC Central in {{nfly|2001}}. The Bears improved upon their success the following season, by clinching their second consecutive NFC North title during Week 13 of the {{nfly|2006}} season, winning their first playoff game since 1995, and earning a trip to [[Super Bowl XLI]].<ref>{{cite web|title=GameCenter: Recap |work=Superbowl.com |url=http://www.superbowl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20070121_NO@CHI |access-date=January 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070125134400/http://www.superbowl.com/gamecenter/recap/NFL_20070121_NO%40CHI |archive-date=January 25, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, they fell short of the championship, losing 29–17 to the [[Indianapolis Colts]]. Following the 2006 season, the club decided to give Smith a contract extension through 2011, at roughly $5&nbsp;million per year. This comes a season after being the lowest-paid head coach in the National Football League.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=John |author-link=John Clayton (sportswriter) |date=March 1, 2007 |title=Bears coach Smith, GM Angelo ink contract extensions |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2783609 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604015719/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2783609 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |access-date=December 5, 2010 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

The club has played in over a thousand games since becoming a charter member of the NFL in {{nfly|1920}}. Through the 2010 season, they led the NFL in overall franchise wins with 704 and had an overall record of 704–512–42 (going 687–494–42 during the regular season and 17–18 in the playoffs).<ref>{{cite web|title=All-Time Chicago Bears Record|work=Pro Football Hall of Fame|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/history/team.jsp?franchise_id=6|access-date=June 15, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060623033757/http://profootballhof.com/history/team.jsp?franchise_id=6|archive-date=June 23, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 18, 2010, the Bears recorded franchise win number 700 in a win against the [[Miami Dolphins]].<ref name="v450">{{cite web | title=Dolphins Shutout a Signature Win for the Bears | website=NBC Chicago | date=2010-11-19 | url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/nfl/chicago-bears/dolphins-shutout-a-signature-win-for-the-bears/2099178/ | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802202204/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/nfl/chicago-bears/dolphins-shutout-a-signature-win-for-the-bears/2099178/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Cutler Quinnan8 (cropped).jpg|thumb|130px|The Bears made one of the biggest trades in team history by acquiring Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler in 2009.]]
The Bears made one of the biggest trades in franchise history, acquiring [[Pro Bowl]] quarterback [[Jay Cutler]] from the [[Denver Broncos]] in exchange for [[Kyle Orton]] and draft picks on April 2, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Clayton |first1=John |last2=Werder |first2=Ed |date=2009-04-02 |title=Broncos send Cutler to Bears for Orton, 3 picks |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4037373 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=September 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911041035/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4037373 |url-status=live }}</ref> After a disappointing 2009 campaign with the team going 7–9,<ref>{{cite news|first=Mike |last=Mulligan |title=Bears get Cutler for two first-round picks, Orton |date=April 3, 2009 |url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1508720,bears-cutler-040209.article? |work=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=April 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404012412/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1508720%2Cbears-cutler-040209.article |archive-date=April 4, 2009 }}</ref> [[Mike Martz]] was hired as the team's offensive coordinator on February 1, 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Biggs |first=Brad |date=February 1, 2010 |title=Mike Martz hired as Bears' offensive coordinator |url=http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/02/mike-martz-hired-as-bears-offensive-coordinator.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204093359/http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/02/mike-martz-hired-as-bears-offensive-coordinator.html |archive-date=February 4, 2010 |access-date=March 12, 2014 |website=Chicago Breaking Sports}}</ref> On March 5, 2010, the Bears signed defensive end [[Julius Peppers]], running back [[Chester Taylor]], and tight end [[Brandon Manumaleuna]], spending over $100&nbsp;million on the first day of free agency.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/way-things-should-be/2010/03/bears-blow-minds-spend-100-million-in-one-day.html |title=Chicago Bears spend $100 on Free Agents – The Way Things Should Be |publisher=Chicagonow.com |date=March 4, 2010 |access-date=December 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100712080817/http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/way-things-should-be/2010/03/bears-blow-minds-spend-100-million-in-one-day.html |archive-date=July 12, 2010 }}</ref> Also during the 2010 offseason, Michael McCaskey was replaced by brother [[George McCaskey]] as chairman of the Bears.<ref name="chicagobears1">{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=May 5, 2011 |title=George McCaskey becomes chairman |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=7833 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820052529/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=7833 |archive-date=August 20, 2011 |access-date=July 14, 2012 |website=ChicagoBears.com}}</ref> With a 38–34 win against the [[New York Jets]], the Bears clinched the No. 2 seed and a first-round [[Bye (sports)|bye]] for the [[2010–11 NFL playoffs]]. In their first Playoff game since Super Bowl XLI, The Bears defeated the No. 4 seed [[2010 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] 35–24 in the Divisional Round. The Bears reached the NFC Championship Game, where they played [[Green Bay Packers]] at [[Soldier Field]] – only the second playoff meeting between the two storied rivals, the only other game played in 1941.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 16, 2011 |title=Bears defeat Seahawks to set up NFC Title showdown |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=7496 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119041006/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=7496 |archive-date=January 19, 2011 |access-date=January 16, 2011 |website=ChicagoBears.com}}</ref> The Bears lost the game, 21–14.<ref name="x286">{{cite web | title=Packers beat Bears 21-14 to win NFC title | website=San Diego Union-Tribune | date=2011-01-23 | url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2011/01/23/packers-beat-bears-21-14-to-win-nfc-title/ | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802202342/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2011/01/23/packers-beat-bears-21-14-to-win-nfc-title/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

The team started the 2011 season strong with a 7–3 record,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears 2011 Games and Schedule |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2011/gamelog/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802202415/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2011/gamelog/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and running back [[Matt Forté]] led the NFL in total yards from scrimmage. Eventually, quarterback Jay Cutler fractured his thumb, and Forté also was lost for the season against the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] after spraining his MCL, and the Bears, with [[Caleb Hanie]] playing, lost five straight before winning against the [[Minnesota Vikings]] with [[Josh McCown]] starting over Hanie. At season's end, general manager [[Jerry Angelo]] was fired, and former Chiefs director of scouting and former Bears scout [[Phil Emery (American football)|Phil Emery]] was brought in.<ref name="a481">{{cite web | title=Angelo fired as Bears' GM after team crumbles | website=NFL.com | date=2012-01-03 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/angelo-fired-as-bears-gm-after-team-crumbles-09000d5d825ada26 | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802202438/https://www.nfl.com/news/angelo-fired-as-bears-gm-after-team-crumbles-09000d5d825ada26 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="e395">{{cite web | last=Medina | first=Luis C. | title=Throwback Thursday: The Bears hired GM Phil Emery on this date in 2012 | website=Bears Wire | publisher=USA Today | date=2016-01-28 | url=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2016/01/28/throwback-thursday-the-bears-hired-gm-phil-emery-on-this-date-in-2012/ | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802202509/https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2016/01/28/throwback-thursday-the-bears-hired-gm-phil-emery-on-this-date-in-2012/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Offensive coordinator Mike Martz resigned, and eventually retired, and was replaced by offensive line coach [[Mike Tice]].<ref name="g778">{{cite web | title=Bears' Mike Martz Resigns | website=NBC Chicago | date=2012-01-03 | url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/mike-martz-resigns/1926520/ | access-date=2024-08-02 | archive-date=August 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802202535/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/mike-martz-resigns/1926520/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="i018">{{cite web | last=Trowbridge | first=Matt | title=Bears promote Mike Tice to offensive coordinator | website=Rockford Register Star | date=2012-01-06 | url=https://www.rrstar.com/story/sports/2012/01/06/bears-promote-mike-tice-to/42119135007/#:~:text=Now%20he%20gets%20a%20chance,his%20old%20friend%20Mike%20Martz. | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref> The Bears made another notable move by trading for Miami Dolphins receiver and Pro Bowl MVP [[Brandon Marshall]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=March 13, 2012 |title=Bears land Marshall in trade with Miami |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=8680 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407205620/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=8680 |archive-date=April 7, 2012 |access-date=May 11, 2012 |website=ChicagoBears.com}}</ref> The Bears became the first team in NFL history to return six interceptions for touchdowns in the first seven games of the season, with another pick-six by [[Brian Urlacher]] in Week 9 bringing Chicago two behind the record set by the [[1961 San Diego Chargers season|1961 San Diego Chargers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/history/2012/10/29/bears-chase-nfl-record-interceptions-for-touchdown/|title=Bears picking on history|work=[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]|date=October 29, 2012|access-date=December 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114055643/http://www.profootballhof.com/history/2012/10/29/bears-chase-nfl-record-interceptions-for-touchdown/|archive-date=November 14, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Bears missed the playoffs with a record of 10–6 (after starting the season 7–1, the first team to start with the record and miss the playoffs since the [[1996 Washington Redskins season|1996 Washington Redskins]]),<ref>{{cite news|last=Trister |first=Noah |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/football/2012/12/30/bears-beat-lions-stay-playoff-race/cHK5d0A5v5jGN0sPwdYltM/story.html |title=Bears miss playoffs despite 26–24 win over Lions |publisher=[[Boston.com]] |date=December 30, 2012 |access-date=December 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002101357/http://www.boston.com/sports/football/2012/12/30/bears-beat-lions-stay-playoff-race/cHK5d0A5v5jGN0sPwdYltM/story.html |archive-date=October 2, 2013 }}</ref> and Smith was fired on December 31.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rosenthal|first=Gregg|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/lovie-smith-fired-as-chicago-bears-coach-0ap1000000119943|title=Lovie Smith fired as Chicago Bears coach|publisher=[[National Football League]]|date=December 31, 2012|access-date=December 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102144633/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000119943/article/lovie-smith-fired-by-chicago-bears|archive-date=January 2, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2013–2014: Marc Trestman years===
Then-[[Canadian Football League|CFL]] head coach and former NFL journeyman [[Marc Trestman]] was hired to succeed Smith after an exhaustive search that included at least 13 known candidates.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Biggs |first1=Brad |last2=Pompei |first2=Dan |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-bears-hire-marc-trestman-20130115,0,7826477.story |title=Marc Trestman chosen to be Bears' new coach |work=Chicago Tribune |date=January 16, 2013 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116093830/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-bears-hire-marc-trestman-20130115%2C0%2C7826477.story |archive-date=January 16, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Isaacson|first=Melissa|url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/8835945/phil-emery-wait-too-long-find-chicago-bears-coach|title=Emery can't wait too long|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=January 11, 2013|access-date=January 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114222110/http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/8835945/phil-emery-wait-too-long-find-chicago-bears-coach|archive-date=January 14, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 20, 2013, Brian Urlacher's 13-year tenure with the Bears ended when both sides failed to agree on a contract.<ref>{{cite web|last=McIntyre|first=Brian|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/chicago-bears-announce-brian-urlacher-not-back-2013-224525683--nfl.html|title=Chicago Bears announce that Brian Urlacher will not be back in 2013|work=[[Yahoo! Sports]]|date=March 20, 2013|access-date=March 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323044743/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/chicago-bears-announce-brian-urlacher-not-back-2013-224525683--nfl.html|archive-date=March 23, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The Trestman era began on September 8 with a 24–21 win over the [[Cincinnati Bengals]], making Trestman the fourth head coach in Bears history to win in his coaching debut, after George Halas (1920), Neill Armstrong (1978) and Dick Jauron (1999).<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2013/09/08/5403/index.html|title=Cutler, Marshall lead Bears over Bengals 24–21|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=September 8, 2013|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130912195347/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2013/09/08/5403/index.html|archive-date=September 12, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Bears ended the 2013 season 8–8, barely missing the playoffs after losing in the final week of the season to the Packers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Lindsay H.|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/12/29/nfl-week-17-packers-bears-aaron-rodgers-jay-cutler/4243675/|title=Aaron Rodgers leads Packers past Bears, into playoffs|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=December 29, 2013|access-date=August 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018141934/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/12/29/nfl-week-17-packers-bears-aaron-rodgers-jay-cutler/4243675/|archive-date=October 18, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite having a second-ranked offense that set numerous franchise records,<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Long-named-to-PFF-All-Rookie-Team/f1d360be-db5b-4d85-b8b8-ded4a3ac6af0|title=Long named to PFF All-Rookie Team|publisher=Chicago Bears|date=January 8, 2014|access-date=January 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109014955/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Long-named-to-PFF-All-Rookie-Team/f1d360be-db5b-4d85-b8b8-ded4a3ac6af0|archive-date=January 9, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> the defense greatly worsened as it set franchise worsts in categories like yards allowed (6,313).<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Improving-defense-a-top-priority/48521138-22fd-4526-a404-1960071e0fa6|title=Improving defense a top priority|publisher=Chicago Bears|date=January 4, 2014|access-date=January 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106042350/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Improving-defense-a-top-priority/48521138-22fd-4526-a404-1960071e0fa6|archive-date=January 6, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The following season was a disaster for the Bears, with the offense regressing to finish outside the top 20 in scoring.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/index.htm#all_team_scoring|title=2014 NFL Standings & Team Stats – Scoring Offense|work=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|access-date=August 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821093910/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/index.htm#all_team_scoring|archive-date=August 21, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The team also allowed 50-point games in two straight weeks against the Patriots and Packers, including a franchise-high 42 points and NFL-record six touchdowns allowed in the first half against the latter,<ref>{{cite news|last=Armas|first=Genaro C.|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/10/aaron-rodgers-packers-bears-record-half_n_6130674.html|title=Aaron Rodgers Throws 6 TD Passes In 1st Half As Packers Crush Bears 55-14|newspaper=[[The Huffington Post]]|date=November 10, 2014|access-date=November 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112143148/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/10/aaron-rodgers-packers-bears-record-half_n_6130674.html|archive-date=November 12, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Breech|first=Josh|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24793799/bears-line-up-to-punt-packers-kick-ball-instead|title=Bears line up to punt, Packers kick ball instead|publisher=[[CBSSports.com]]|date=November 9, 2014|access-date=November 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110072941/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24793799/bears-line-up-to-punt-packers-kick-ball-instead|archive-date=November 10, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> to become the first team since the [[1923 Rochester Jeffersons season|1923 Rochester Jeffersons]] to allow at least 50 points in consecutive games.<ref>{{cite web|last=Neveau|first=James|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Packers-Bears-Sunday-Night-Lambeau-Field-Cutler-Rodgers-282090151.html|title=Packers Bludgeon Bears 55-14 in Embarrassing Rout|publisher=[[WMAQ-TV]]|date=November 10, 2014|access-date=November 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111054025/http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Packers-Bears-Sunday-Night-Lambeau-Field-Cutler-Rodgers-282090151.html|archive-date=November 11, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bears ended the year 5–11 and last in the NFC North.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2013.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127092953/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2013.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Trestman and Emery were fired after the season ended.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rosenthal|first=Gregg|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chicago-bears-fire-marc-trestman-0ap3000000451258|title=Chicago Bears fire Marc Trestman|publisher=[[National Football League]]|date=December 29, 2014|access-date=December 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229171803/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000451258/article/chicago-bears-fire-marc-trestman|archive-date=December 29, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2015–2017: John Fox years===
The Bears hired [[Ryan Pace]] of the [[New Orleans Saints]] to be their new general manager on January 8, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Biggs|first1=Brad|last2=Campbell|first2=Rich|last3=Wiederer|first3=Dan|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-hire-ryan-pace-gm-story.html|title=Bears hire Ryan Pace as general manager|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=January 8, 2015|access-date=January 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109005708/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-hire-ryan-pace-gm-story.html|archive-date=January 9, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 16, 2015, [[John Fox (American football)|John Fox]] accepted a four-year deal to become head coach.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|title=Bears hire John Fox as head coach|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-hire-John-Fox-as-head-coach/9373af55-a45c-464e-990b-c7ca46950985|publisher=Chicago Bears|date=January 16, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119001040/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-hire-John-Fox-as-head-coach/9373af55-a45c-464e-990b-c7ca46950985|archive-date=January 19, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> In Fox's first season as head coach, the Bears saw improvements from 2014; after ''[[USA Today]]'' projected the Bears to win three games,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Davis|first1=Nate|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/08/04/record-projections-super-bowl-50-packers-colts/30985171/|title=Who reaches Super Bowl 50? 2015 NFL record projections for all 32 teams|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=August 4, 2015|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806163200/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/08/04/record-projections-super-bowl-50-packers-colts/30985171/|archive-date=August 6, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> they doubled that total and finished the season with a 6–10 record, including a [[NFL on Thanksgiving Day|Thanksgiving]] win over the Packers at Lambeau Field.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Late-defensive-stand-preserves-big-win/f24c32a1-2662-4358-b769-5f6ccf57dfef|title=Late defensive stand preserves big win|publisher=Chicago Bears|date=November 26, 2015|access-date=December 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205034302/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Late-defensive-stand-preserves-big-win/f24c32a1-2662-4358-b769-5f6ccf57dfef|archive-date=December 5, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

However, during the 2016 season, the Bears regressed heavily, compiling a 3–13 record (their worst since the NFL's change to 16-game seasons in 1978). The season included several injuries to starters and secondary players, including Jay Cutler, who only played five games as a result of two separate injuries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eurich|first=Matt|url=http://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/bears-to-look-into-why-team-suffered-so-many-injuries-in-2016/|title=Bears to look into why team suffered so many injuries in 2016|publisher=[[CBSSports.com]]|date=January 5, 2017|access-date=January 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110160654/http://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/bears-to-look-into-why-team-suffered-so-many-injuries-in-2016/|archive-date=January 10, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Backup quarterback [[Brian Hoyer]] started the next three games before a broken arm put him out for the season. He was replaced by [[Matt Barkley]], who made his first career start with the Bears.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Depleted-Bears-burned-by-Rodgers/e1570d4d-c6fe-4ed4-8f47-a15748eed1c9|title=Depleted Bears burned by Rodgers|publisher=Chicago Bears|date=October 20, 2016|access-date=October 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023153755/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Depleted-Bears-burned-by-Rodgers/e1570d4d-c6fe-4ed4-8f47-a15748eed1c9|archive-date=October 23, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Emma|first=Chris|url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/11/27/bears-qb-jay-cutler-inactive-matt-barkley-starts-against-the-titans/|title=Bears QB Jay Cutler Inactive; Matt Barkley Starts Against The Titans|publisher=[[WBBM-TV]]|date=November 27, 2016|access-date=November 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128133241/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/11/27/bears-qb-jay-cutler-inactive-matt-barkley-starts-against-the-titans/|archive-date=November 28, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> None of the three quarterbacks returned for the 2017 season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Patra|first=Kevin|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chicago-bears-release-quarterback-jay-cutler-0ap3000000791875|title=Chicago Bears release quarterback Jay Cutler|publisher=[[National Football League]]|date=March 9, 2017|access-date=March 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310014733/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000791875/article/chicago-bears-release-quarterback-jay-cutler|archive-date=March 10, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Agree-to-Terms-with-Seven-Free-Agents/27ef0da5-47b8-4a0f-96d5-d6c61d929fb6?sf61333157=1|title=49ers Agree to Terms with Seven Free Agents|work=[[San Francisco 49ers]]|date=March 9, 2017|access-date=March 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312010052/http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Agree-to-Terms-with-Seven-Free-Agents/27ef0da5-47b8-4a0f-96d5-d6c61d929fb6?sf61333157=1|archive-date=March 12, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Malocco|first=Matt|url=http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/source-49ers-reach-two-year-contract-agreement-qb-matt-barkley|title=SOURCE: 49ERS REACH TWO-YEAR CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH QB MATT BARKLEY|publisher=[[Comcast SportsNet Bay Area]]|date=March 9, 2017|access-date=March 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310080409/http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/source-49ers-reach-two-year-contract-agreement-qb-matt-barkley|archive-date=March 10, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2017 NFL draft]], the team selected quarterback [[Mitchell Trubisky]] with the second-overall pick,<ref>{{cite web|last=Alper|first=Josh|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/04/27/bears-trade-up-to-no-2-take/|title=Bears trade up to No. 2, take Mitchell Trubisky|publisher=[[Profootballtalk.com]]|date=April 27, 2017|access-date=April 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428005326/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/04/27/bears-trade-up-to-no-2-take/|archive-date=April 28, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> who sat behind newly signed quarterback [[Mike Glennon]] for the first four games before taking over.<ref>{{cite news|last=Campbell|first=Rich|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-mitch-trubisky-promoted-mike-glennon-bears-20171002-story.html|title=Bears FAQ: Mitch Trubisky promoted and Mike Glennon benched|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=October 2, 2017|access-date=October 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011071731/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-mitch-trubisky-promoted-mike-glennon-bears-20171002-story.html|archive-date=October 11, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bears ended the season 5–11 and again finished last in the NFC North.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2017.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202190033/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2017.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 1, 2018, Fox was fired, ending his tenure in Chicago with a 14–34 record.<ref>{{cite web|last=Patra|first=Kevin|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chicago-bears-fire-coach-john-fox-after-5-11-season-0ap3000000901544|title=Chicago Bears fire coach John Fox after 5-11 season|publisher=[[National Football League]]|date=January 1, 2018|access-date=January 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101174300/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000901544/article/chicago-bears-fire-coach-john-fox-after-511-season|archive-date=January 1, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2018–2021: Matt Nagy years===
[[File:Bears Defense 2018.jpg|thumb|[[Roquan Smith]], [[Khalil Mack]], [[DeAndre Houston-Carson]], and [[Akiem Hicks]] of the Bears in 2018]]
The Bears hired [[Matt Nagy]] from the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] as their new head coach in January 2018.<ref>{{cite news|last=Biggs|first=Brad|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-matt-nagy-coach-20180108-story.html|title=Bears hire Matt Nagy as franchise's 16th head coach|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=January 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108231857/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-matt-nagy-coach-20180108-story.html|archive-date=January 8, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> General manager [[Ryan Pace]] signed receivers [[Taylor Gabriel]], [[Allen Robinson]], and [[Trey Burton]] in the offseason to complement second-year quarterback [[Mitchell Trubisky]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Finley |first=Patrick |date=March 13, 2018 |title=Bears free agency: WR Taylor Gabriel plans to join Allen Robinson, Trey Burton |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/bears-free-agency-wr-taylor-gabriel-plans-to-join-allen-robinson-trey-burton/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231093233/https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/bears-free-agency-wr-taylor-gabriel-plans-to-join-allen-robinson-trey-burton/ |archive-date=December 31, 2018 |access-date=December 31, 2018 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> The Bears also acquired linebacker [[Khalil Mack]] in a block-blockbuster trade from the [[Oakland Raiders]] to further bolster their defense, sending a package of draft picks that includes 2019 and 2020 1st round draft picks in exchange.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 2, 2018 |title=Jon Gruden sounds off on Oakland Raiders' trade of Khalil Mack to Chicago Bears |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/raiders/2018/09/02/khalil-mack-trade-jon-gruden-explains-why-raiders-dealt-bears/1183491002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904193610/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/raiders/2018/09/02/khalil-mack-trade-jon-gruden-explains-why-raiders-dealt-bears/1183491002/ |archive-date=September 4, 2018 |access-date=September 5, 2018 |website=[[USA Today]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Nagy's Bears clinched the NFC North on December 16, 2018, for the first time since 2010 with a 24–17 victory over the [[Green Bay Packers]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Dickerson |first=Jeff |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25550177/chicago-bears-clinch-first-nfc-north-title-2010 |title=Bears stop Packers to clinch first NFC North crown since 2010 |work=ESPN |date=December 16, 2018 |access-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231092629/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25550177/chicago-bears-clinch-first-nfc-north-title-2010 |archive-date=December 31, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Bears finished the 2018 season with a 12–4 record.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hawley |first=Larry |url=https://wgntv.com/2018/12/30/bears-beat-the-vikings-to-finish-the-2018-season-12-4/ |title=Bears beat Vikings 24-10, will host Eagles in wild-card playoff match |work=WGN |date=December 30, 2018 |access-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231035850/https://wgntv.com/2018/12/30/bears-beat-the-vikings-to-finish-the-2018-season-12-4/ |archive-date=December 31, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> They lost to the [[Super Bowl LII|defending Super Bowl Champions]] [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in the wild-card round of the playoffs after [[Cody Parkey]]'s game-winning field goal attempt was partially tipped and hit the uprights in the final seconds of the game, a play coined the "[[Double Doink]]".<ref>{{cite news |last=Patra |first=Kevin |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cody-parkey-s-missed-field-goal-officially-ruled-block-0ap3000001008740 |title=Cody Parkey's missed field goal officially ruled block |work=NFL.com |date=January 7, 2019 |access-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117153451/https://www.nfl.com/news/cody-parkey-s-missed-field-goal-officially-ruled-block-0ap3000001008740 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-bears-philadelphia-eagles-live-blog-trey-burton-eddie-jackson-503973241.html|title=Bears Lose to Eagles on Heartbreaking Final Play|last=Neveau|first=James|website=NBC Chicago|date=January 6, 2019 |language=en|access-date=January 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109012039/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-bears-philadelphia-eagles-live-blog-trey-burton-eddie-jackson-503973241.html|archive-date=January 9, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the first-round exit, Nagy was named [[List of NFL Coach of the Year awards|Coach of the Year]] by the [[Pro Football Writers Association]] (PFWA) and [[Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year award|Associated Press]] (AP).<ref>{{cite news|last=Biggs|first=Brad|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-matt-nagy-nfl-coach-of-the-year-20190202-story.html|title=Matt Nagy caps his 1st Bears season with the NFL Coach of the Year award|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=February 2, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203044815/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-matt-nagy-nfl-coach-of-the-year-20190202-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ellis|first=Cam|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/matt-nagy-named-head-coach-year-pro-football-writers-america|title=Matt Nagy named Head Coach of the Year by Pro Football Writers of America|publisher=[[NBC Sports Chicago]]|date=January 17, 2019|access-date=January 17, 2019|archive-date=January 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121447/https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/matt-nagy-named-head-coach-year-pro-football-writers-america|url-status=live}}</ref> He was the first Bears coach to be given the AP award since Lovie Smith in 2005 and the fifth in team history.<ref>{{cite news|last=Perez|first=Bryan|url=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2019/02/03/matt-nagy-joins-legendary-bears-coaches-to-win-nfl-coach-of-the-year/|title=Matt Nagy joins legendary Bears coaches to win NFL Coach of the Year|publisher=Bears Wire|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=February 3, 2019|access-date=February 11, 2019|archive-date=February 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212070531/https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2019/02/03/matt-nagy-joins-legendary-bears-coaches-to-win-nfl-coach-of-the-year/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2019, the team regressed to an 8–8 record, though Nagy's combined 20 wins in 2018 and 2019 were the most by a Bears head coach in his first two seasons.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/quick-hits-pineiro-finishes-with-a-flourish-robinson-continues-to-shine|title=Quick Hits: Pineiro finishes with a flourish, Robinson continues to shine|publisher=Chicago Bears|date=December 29, 2019|access-date=December 30, 2019|archive-date=December 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230190622/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/quick-hits-pineiro-finishes-with-a-flourish-robinson-continues-to-shine|url-status=live}}</ref> During the year, renovations to Halas Hall were completed, allowing the team to move Training Camp from [[Ward Field (Bourbonnais)|Ward Field]] on the campus of [[Olivet Nazarene University]] in [[Bourbonnais, Illinois]] to Lake Forest for 2020.<ref name="training camps">{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/training-camps.htm|title=Chicago Bears Training Camp Locations - Pro-Football-Reference.com|website=[[Pro Football Reference]]|access-date=March 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110200045/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/training-camps.htm|archive-date=November 10, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MayerJan2020">{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-moving-training-camp-back-to-halas-hall|title=Bears moving training camp back to Halas Hall|publisher=Chicago Bears|date=January 14, 2020|access-date=January 14, 2020|archive-date=January 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114213944/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-moving-training-camp-back-to-halas-hall|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Bears opened the [[2020 Chicago Bears season|2020 season]] with a 5–1 record. However, they lost their next six games. The Bears won three of their last four games to finish the season with an 8–8 record. Despite their finish, the Bears qualified for the [[2020–21 NFL playoffs]], which was expanded to include one additional wildcard team from each conference.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/chicago-football/packers-vs-bears-live-blog-playoff-clinching-scenarios-johnson-skrine-out-for-chicago/2406769/ |title=Packers Beat Bears at Soldier Field, but Chicago Headed to Playoffs Thanks to Rams Win |work=NBC Chicago |date=January 4, 2021 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |archive-date=January 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104011304/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/chicago-football/packers-vs-bears-live-blog-playoff-clinching-scenarios-johnson-skrine-out-for-chicago/2406769/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[New Orleans Saints]] defeated the Bears in the opening round of the playoffs, 21–9.<ref>{{Cite web |title = Bears vs. Saints - Team Statistics - January 10, 2021 - ESPN |url = https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401220395 |access-date = January 13, 2021 |website = ESPN.com |archive-date = January 13, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210113142752/https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401220395 |url-status = live }}</ref> The team did not re-sign Trubisky after the 2020 season and instead allowed him to become a free agent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Glab |first=Maddy |date=March 18, 2021 |title=Bills agree to terms with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky |url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-agree-to-terms-with-quarterback-mitchell-trubisky |access-date=November 15, 2022 |website=www.buffalobills.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Prior to the [[2021 Chicago Bears season|2021 season]], the Bears traded up in the [[2021 NFL draft]] to select quarterback [[Justin Fields]] 11th overall.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Middlehurst-Schwartz |first=Michael |date=April 29, 2021 |title=Chicago Bears trade up, take QB Justin Fields with No. 11 pick in NFL draft |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2021/04/29/chicago-bears-take-justin-fields-quarterback-nfl-draft/7405463002/ |access-date=April 29, 2021 |website=USA Today |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430025310/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2021/04/29/chicago-bears-take-justin-fields-quarterback-nfl-draft/7405463002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The team also signed veteran quarterback [[Andy Dalton]] in free agency.<ref name="q118">{{cite web | last=Mayer | first=Larry | title=Roster Move: Bears agree to terms with Dalton | website=Chicago Bears | date=2021-03-17 | url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-move-bears-agree-to-terms-with-dalton | access-date=2024-07-30 | archive-date=November 24, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124112048/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-move-bears-agree-to-terms-with-dalton | url-status=live }}</ref> Dalton was initially declared the Bears starting quarterback, but Fields won the position after Dalton was injured.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=September 22, 2021 |title=Bears QB Justin Fields to start vs. Browns with Andy Dalton (knee) injured |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bears-qb-justin-fields-to-start-vs-browns-with-andy-dalton-knee-injured |access-date=September 22, 2021 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=September 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922173615/https://www.nfl.com/news/bears-qb-justin-fields-to-start-vs-browns-with-andy-dalton-knee-injured |url-status=live }}</ref> The Bears finished the season with a 6–11 record and missed the playoffs.<ref name="firenagy">{{cite news |last=Mayer |first=Larry |url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/ryan-pace-matt-nagy-relieved-of-duties-with-bears |title=Pace, Nagy relieved of duties with the Bears |work=Chicago Bears |date=January 10, 2022 |access-date=January 10, 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408055115/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/ryan-pace-matt-nagy-relieved-of-duties-with-bears |url-status=live }}</ref> Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace were fired after the season's conclusion.<ref name="firenagy"/> Nagy posted a 34–33 record over four seasons with two playoff berths, while Pace compiled a 48–65 record over seven seasons.<ref name="firenagy"/>
<!-- Note: This is just a summary, please do not add too much detail, especially for the 2005 season and beyond; the article "History of the Chicago Bears" or the season articles are probably best for detailed additions -->

===2022–2024: Matt Eberflus years===
On January 25, 2022, the Bears hired [[Ryan Poles]] as their general manager.<ref name="Mayer" /> The team hired [[Matt Eberflus]] as the franchise's 17th head coach two days later.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Larry|last=Mayer|title=Bears hire Matt Eberflus as head coach|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-hire-colts-defensive-coordinator-matt-eberflus-as-head-coach|publisher=Chicago Bears|date=January 27, 2022|access-date=January 27, 2022|language=en-US|archive-date=January 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128005350/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-hire-colts-defensive-coordinator-matt-eberflus-as-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bears struggled throughout the [[2022 Chicago Bears season|2022 season]], which included a franchise-record 10-game losing streak.<ref name="2022recap">{{cite news |last=Lieser |first=Jason |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2023/1/8/23545208/what-pick-do-bears-have-in-2023-nfl-draft-will-anderson-bryce-young-cj-stroud-jalen-carter-poles |title=Bears get No. 1 pick in draft after loss to Vikings, Texans' stunner vs. Colts |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 }}</ref> They finished with an NFL worst 3–14 record, which secured the team the first overall pick in the [[2023 NFL draft]].<ref name="2022recap"/> The Bears traded the first overall pick to the [[Carolina Panthers]] in exchange for wide receiver [[D. J. Moore]] and multiple draft picks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/dj-moore-on-joining-bears-justin-fields-it-going-to-be-real-special-trade|title=DJ Moore on joining Bears: 'It's going to be real special'|work=ChicagoBears.com|first=Larry|last=Mayer|date=March 15, 2023|access-date=April 14, 2023|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327000806/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/dj-moore-on-joining-bears-justin-fields-it-going-to-be-real-special-trade|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bears opened the [[2023 Chicago Bears season|2023 season]] with a 0–4 record, extending the team [[losing streak]] to 14 (longest in team history; dating back to the 2022 season).<ref name="r698">{{cite web | last=Gordon | first=Grant | title=Justin Fields, Bears snap 14-game losing streak: 'I'm proud of everybody in the building' | website=NFL.com | date=2023-10-06 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/justin-fields-bears-snap-14-game-losing-streak-i-m-proud-of-everybody-in-the-bui | access-date=2024-07-30 | archive-date=January 8, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108163855/https://www.nfl.com/news/justin-fields-bears-snap-14-game-losing-streak-i-m-proud-of-everybody-in-the-bui | url-status=live }}</ref> The team bounced back by winning five of their last eight games, but finished with a 7–10 record, placing last in the NFC North for the second consecutive season. However, the team acquired the first overall pick in the [[2024 NFL draft]], which was part of their previous trade with the Panthers, who finished the 2023 season with worst record in the NFL.<ref name="Kane-2024">{{cite news |last=Kane |first=Colleen |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-green-bay-packers-week-18-20240107-ejyswgscr5aidnzabd3acfpmte-story.html |title=Week 18 recap: Chicago Bears lose their season finale 17-9 to the Green Bay Packers, who clinch the final NFC playoff spot |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=January 7, 2024 |accessdate=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107122500/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-green-bay-packers-week-18-20240107-ejyswgscr5aidnzabd3acfpmte-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The first overall pick was used on [[University of Southern California|USC]] quarterback [[Caleb Williams]].<ref name="m938">{{cite web | last=Mayer | first=Larry | title=Bears draft QB Caleb Williams with No. 1 pick | website=Chicago Bears | date=2024-04-26 | url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/caleb-williams-bears-quarterback-number-1-pick-2024-nfl-draft-usc | access-date=2024-07-30 | archive-date=May 21, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521202703/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/caleb-williams-bears-quarterback-number-1-pick-2024-nfl-draft-usc | url-status=live }}</ref> The Bears fired Eberflus on November 29, with five games remaining in the [[2024 NFL season]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-relieve-eberflus-of-duties-elevate-brown-interim-head-coach |title=Bears relieve Eberflus of duties, elevate Brown |work=chicagobears.com |date=November 29, 2024 |access-date=November 29, 2024 }}</ref> Eberflus, who a posted a 14–32 overall record with the Bears, was the first head coach in team history to be fired before the end of the season.<ref name="Wiederer-2024">{{cite news |last=Wiederer |first=Dan |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/29/chicago-bears-fire-matt-eberflus/ |title=Chicago Bears fire Matt Eberflus — the team's first-ever head coaching dismissal during a season |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=November 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129190603/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/29/chicago-bears-fire-matt-eberflus/ |archive-date=November 29, 2024 |access-date=November 29, 2024 }}</ref>

===2025–present: Ben Johnson years===
On January 21, 2025, the Bears hired [[Ben Johnson (American football coach)|Ben Johnson]] as the franchise's 18th head coach.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-hire-ben-johnson-as-head-coach-2025 |title=Bears hire Ben Johnson as head coach |work=Chicago Bears |date=January 21, 2025 }}</ref>
<!-- Note: This is just a summary, please do not add too much detail. the article "History of the Chicago Bears" or the season articles are probably best for detailed additions -->