The Chicago Bears’ new coaching staff was brought in to fix all that went wrong last season, including with quarterback Caleb Williams. While Williams was not properly supported, as evidenced by the Bears breaking from history and firing multiple coaches in-season, he also shouldered the responsibility to improve his shortcomings.
New head coach Ben Johnson and his staff addressed those issues with Williams.
Caleb Williams Gets Reality Check From Bears Coaches
Bears Working on Caleb Williams
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer detailed that process, which began with Williams’ attendance at Johnson’s introductory press conference and has continued into the offseason program.
Per Breer, Williams was around Halas Hall “a lot” after that, allowing Johnson, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, and quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett to build a relationship with the former No. 1 overall pick “organically.”
That, Breer reported, “facilitated some hard truths to be doled out.”
“There were two areas where the coaches wanted improvement from Williams. Both related to how he carried himself as the quarterback, based on what the 2024 season showed,” Breer wrote on May 27. “One was body language. The other was presnap procedure.”
The staff acknowledged the hits Williams took en route to a league-high 68 sacks in 2024, but they wanted him to pick himself up quicker, serving as a calming force.
They also noted details, like expecting motion from the incorrect side, Williams must improve.
When Johnson arrived, he noted that they would be working with Williams from square one, and the early viewing portion of OTAs showed new footwork for the Bears QB. Taking it a step further, Breer reports they have had Williams watch Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford.
Williams studied tape of Johnson’s offense with the Detroit Lions. Williams has also leaned on veteran backup Case Keenum. Breer says Keenum’s addition was “intentional.”
Keenum’s knowledge allows him to “coach” Williams up when Johnson and Co. cannot.
Hard Truths for Caleb Williams Not Surprising
Breer’s report is encouraging for Williams’ buy-in and understanding that he has plenty of room to grow. However, the new coaching staff being so up front with the Williams is not surprising. That is based on Johnson’s comments and his actions.
Johnson promised every player on the roster that they would work hard during his intro. He backed it up during OTAs. Johnson and the staff could be seen and heard getting on veterans for miscues.
That was on Day 2 of the session.
There remains a long way to go. But after the firestorm of Williams’ pre-draft hesitance about the Bears, Breer’s report serves as veritable damage control about the situation. The QB was not made available to address that at the first opportunity. He will surely face questions when he does.