When Ben Johnson stepped into Halas Hall as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, he has a huge responsibility ahead of him, and it’s something the previous coaching staff failed to accomplish. Amid revelations that Caleb Williams thought about avoiding being drafted by the Bears, Johnson appeared on Colin Cowherd’s The Herd to provide a voice of optimism.
“You talk about fears. I don’t see it the same way. I see this as what a great opportunity that we have to do something that’s never been done. There’s never been a 4,000-yard passer in this franchise and I think Caleb’s going to be the first one. One of many years where he’s going to accomplish that feat. I see a chance for greatness here for him.”
Johnson is choosing to focus not on the past, but on the opportunity ahead with Williams.
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Ben Johnson Sounds Off on Fears Caleb Williams Had
Having a Shared Vision
The bold prediction from Johnson is more than just coach-speak. It’s a reflection of the belief he has in Williams’ talent and maturity. That belief stands in stark contrast to the uncertainty that shrouded Williams in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft, as his father weighed legal workarounds to avoid Chicago.
“Looking for a way around the league’s collective bargaining agreement, Carl Williams spoke with Archie Manning, who helped Eli Manning assert a measure of control over his eventual team in 2004. He also met with labor lawyers and agents — and even considered whether his son could sign with the United Football League and become an unrestricted NFL free agent in 2025 to be able to pick a team.”
The hesitations, once rooted in the Bears’ unstable offensive track record and then-offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s system, have quickly faded.
Now, Johnson and Williams are aligned on a shared vision, changing the narrative in Chicago.
“He’s been communicative that way. He feels the same way. I don’t know about what’s gone on before I joined the organization, but he’s very proud to be a Chicago Bear,” Johnson told Cowherd. “That’s what our conversations have included. He’s really excited to get to work right now and be the best version of himself for 2025.”
Turning the Tide for Caleb Williams
After a rocky rookie season that featured poor protection, little coaching structure, and the firing of both the offensive coordinator and head coach, Williams still managed a respectable stat line: 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. Those numbers only added to Johnson’s optimism.
“I see a chance for greatness here for him,” Johnson added.
However, Johnson understands the road won’t be easy. “It’s not going to be linear growth. It’s going to be a little bit of ups and downs along the way, but we want to see from Game 1 to 17 that we’re getting better as a whole. That’s not just him, that’s us as a team as well.”
In Johnson’s mind, those ups and downs won’t define Williams. How he responds will.
“That’s what makes coaching fun,” Johnson said. “When the hiccups occur, when the adversity strikes, how do we respond to it? That’s when you find out who you are as a man.”
From the near-avoidance of the draft to now believing in the new system, Williams’ story in Chicago is just beginning.
Main Image: Kamil Krzaczynski – USA Today Sports
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