What Is 1925 Chicago Bears football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1925 Chicago Bears compiled a 9–1–1 record, finishing second in the NFL. They played 11 games, including a controversial loss to the Pottsville Maroons that impacted the championship outcome.

Key Facts

The 1925 Chicago Bears finished with a 9–1–1 regular season record
They played 11 games, including a disputed loss to the Pottsville Maroons
The team was coached by Ralph Jones, who took over mid-season
The Bears played home games at Wrigley Field in Chicago
The 1925 NFL season saw the Bears narrowly miss the championship due to disputed standings

Overview

The 1925 Chicago Bears were a pivotal team in early NFL history, representing one of the league’s founding franchises during a formative era. Coached initially by George Halas and then by Ralph Jones after a mid-season shift, the team demonstrated strong offensive performance and defensive resilience throughout the season.

Despite finishing with a 9–1–1 record, the Bears were embroiled in controversy over the NFL championship, which ultimately went to the Pottsville Maroons before being disputed and reassigned. Their season included barnstorming games and matchups against regional rivals, helping to expand the league’s popularity.

Record of 9–1–1: The Bears won nine games, lost one, and tied one, finishing second in the league standings behind the Pottsville Maroons.
Controversial loss to Pottsville: A December 1925 game against the Maroons ended in a 21–7 defeat, later central to the disputed championship claim.
Wrigley Field as home stadium: The Bears played their home games at Cubs Park, later renamed Wrigley Field, drawing thousands of fans per game.
Ralph Jones as mid-season coach: After George Halas stepped aside temporarily, Jones led the team with a focus on structured offensive plays.
Early NFL structure: The 1925 season featured loosely organized scheduling, with teams playing varied numbers of games and non-league opponents.

How It Works

The 1925 NFL season operated under inconsistent rules and scheduling, making team comparisons and championship determinations complex. Each franchise arranged many of its own games, leading to disputes over legitimacy and standings.

Championship Determination: In 1925, the NFL did not have a formal playoff system. The title was awarded to the team with the best record, but disputes arose due to unbalanced schedules and ineligible games.
Independent Teams: Clubs like the Pottsville Maroons were independent and faced penalties for playing non-league games, which later voided their title.
Player Rosters: Rosters were fluid, with players often doubling as coaches and team owners managing operations with minimal staff.
Travel and Scheduling: Teams traveled by train and played on weekends, often facing multiple opponents in a week across different states.
Game Rules: The 1925 season used early NFL rules, including a 10-minute overtime period and limited substitution policies.
Scoring System: Touchdowns were worth 6 points, field goals 3 points, and safeties 2 points, consistent with modern scoring but without extra-point kicks being automatic.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1925 Bears compared closely with top teams of the era in wins, scoring, and controversy. The table below highlights key metrics.

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Final Standing
Pottsville Maroons	10–2	288	42	Champions (later disputed)
Chicago Bears	9–1–1	197	49	Second place
Green Bay Packers	8–2–1	177	71	Third place
Frankford Yellow Jackets	13–6–1	238	135	Disqualified
Dayton Triangles	1–2–2	20	55	Bottom tier

The Bears’ strong defensive performance, allowing only 49 points all season, contrasted with Pottsville’s even tighter defense. However, the Maroons’ title was revoked after playing an unauthorized game in Philadelphia, leading to a long-standing debate over rightful ownership of the 1925 championship.

Why It Matters

The 1925 season was a turning point for the NFL, exposing flaws in governance and title determination that led to future reforms. The Bears’ near-championship run highlighted both their competitive strength and the league’s growing pains.

Legacy of controversy: The disputed title between the Bears and Maroons remains unresolved, with both teams’ fans claiming legitimacy.
Foundation for modern NFL: The chaos of 1925 prompted the league to establish clearer rules for scheduling and championship eligibility by 1933.
Role of George Halas: Though not coaching full-time, Halas’s influence as owner helped stabilize the franchise during turbulent times.
Public interest growth: High-profile games and disputes drew national media attention, boosting fan engagement across the Midwest.
Historical recognition: The Pro Football Hall of Fame acknowledges the 1925 season as pivotal in shaping professional football’s structure.
Impact on Chicago sports: The Bears’ success laid groundwork for Chicago’s enduring NFL presence and Wrigley Field’s role in football history.

Ultimately, the 1925 Chicago Bears exemplify the rough-and-tumble origins of professional football—a blend of athletic achievement and administrative uncertainty that helped forge the modern NFL.