Bears QB Caleb Williams is already turning heads in a big way off the field in an effort to build off a turbulent rookie season in Chicago
The 2024 season wasn't a kind one to first overall pick Caleb Williams, despite still putting together one of the best single-season quarterback performances in franchise history for the Chicago Bears.The results of that season led to a self-examination for the entire Bears organization and how things were supposed to be ran going forward from […]
The 2024 season wasn't a kind one to first overall pick Caleb Williams, despite still putting together one of the best single-season quarterback performances in franchise history for the Chicago Bears.
The results of that season led to a self-examination for the entire Bears organization and how things were supposed to be ran going forward from top to bottom.
After taking a hard look in the mirror, the Bears realized they failed their rookie quarterback and aimed to do everything in their power to right things in 2025, starting by reeling in the top coaching candidate over the last three years.
The addition of Ben Johnson alone will do wonders for Caleb Williams career trajectory, as will all of the additions made to the offensive side of the ball throughout the entire offseason between the new weapons and overhauled offensive front.
But, at the end of the day, only Williams can truly create the necessary improvement to his game in order to prove he is truly the answer for the Chicago Bears in Year 2.
"I'm super excited about it," Williams explained. "Being able to be in this position, being able to have a first year the way I did, ups and downs, and then to be able come in here, be as confident as I was last year or possibly even more and to be able to get here with the group that we have, I really can't wait to get to work with these guys."
Months ago, Bears' new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said Williams is "hungry for growth" and is accepting all forms of feedback to improve in his second season.
While speaking with reporters during rookie minicamp this week, Doyle shared more on what that hunger for growth has looked like for the young franchise quarterback.
"He is very eager to do work, he’s here after hours. He’s really trying to get it right. We’re giving him scripts. He came in last Saturday and he’s in the indoor, trying to walk through it by himself," Doyle said. "I think it’s really important to him that he gets it right. I think his teammates can feel that. I think his teammates feel a guy that’s trying to take the next step. It’s been a really positive exposure thus far."
On the field, the new coaching staff plan to peel Williams' game back and rebuild the fundamentals, starting with his footwork and getting him comfortable lining up under center again, after mainly working out of the shotgun in 2024.
"We've got to get on the same page because it'll be a little bit different for him than what he experienced last year," Johnson said. "If we can mesh together and start speaking the same language, that's when things will really start to take off."
Working with Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions offense, Johnson created one of the most dangerous units in football, and sustained that level of success across multiple seasons. If these two can mesh quickly, a similar level of result will follow in Chicago.
"I think us growing together is key," Williams added. "Him pushing me is key. I know that and he knows that. So building that bond, him pushing me and us growing together for years to come is going to be fun."
