2024: The Worst Sports Year in Chicago History?
The year 2024 was a challenging one for Chicago's professional sports teams to say the least, with all of their franchises facing significant hurdles and underwhelming performances. In fact, the city's major teams collectively posted a winning percentage of 37.5%, marking one of the worst years in Chicago sports history. Here's a brief overview of how each team fared this year:
Bears (NFL)
The Bears concluded the 2024 NFL season with a disappointing 5–12 record. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and a former Heisman Trophy winner, faced a challenging inaugural season. He was sacked 68 times, setting a franchise record, and struggled with decision-making and adapting to the professional level. In response, the Bears fired their head coach and offensive coordinator in mid-season, and hired Ben Johnson, formerly the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, as their new head coach. The organization is optimistic that Johnson's expertise will help develop Williams' potential and improve the team's offensive performance.
Winning Percentage: 29.4%
Playoffs: No
Bulls (NBA)
The Bulls finished the 2023–24 NBA season with a 39–43 record, narrowly missing the playoffs after falling to the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament. Despite the team's overall struggles, guard Coby White had a breakout season, finishing second in the NBA Most Improved Player voting. Veteran DeMar DeRozan also delivered a strong performance, leading the league in minutes played and ranking second in clutch points. The Bulls led the NBA in clutch wins with 27, showcasing resilience in close games. But the team has not progressed in 2024-25, being on pace for almost exactly the same season, having traded key players DeRozan and Alex Caruso.
Current Winning Percentage: 42.2%
Playoffs: Possibly the last play-in spot
White Sox (MLB)
The White Sox endured a historically poor season, setting a franchise record with 121 losses. They began the year with a 3–22 record and experienced multiple extended losing streaks, including a 21-game skid—the longest in MLB since 1988. Manager Pedro Grifol was dismissed in August, with Grady Sizemore stepping in as interim manager. Despite the team's struggles, fans displayed a unique camaraderie, embracing the season's historic nature.
Winning Percentage: 25.3%
Playoffs: No
Cubs (MLB)
The Cubs' 2024 season was marked by inconsistency, leading to a barely above -.500 finish. The team showed flashes of potential but was unable to maintain momentum throughout the season. The Cubs' performance contributed to a challenging year for Chicago sports fans.
Winning Percentage: 51.2%
Playoffs: No
Blackhawks (NHL)
The Blackhawks continued their rebuilding phase, focusing on developing young talent and restructuring the roster. While the team showed moments of promise, they remained near the bottom of the standings, indicating that the rebuild is still in progress. Fans are hopeful that the experience gained by younger players will pay dividends in future seasons.
Current Winning Percentage: 31.2%
Playoffs: No Chance
Its hard to imagine a worse calendar year in Chicago sports history. In upcoming posts I will tell you why there is some resemblance of hope for a few of these franchises in 2025 and beyond.
