Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams made headlines at Fanatics Fest, not just for his presence among fans, but for his candid and heartfelt remarks about the team’s coaching staff, and particularly head coach Ben Johnson.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft showed confidence and maturity while addressing the media and fans, emphasizing the collaborative and energetic environment that the Bears’ staff has cultivated. More importantly, Williams made it clear: he’s aiming for sustained success in Chicago, and he believes the people around him are key to achieving that goal.
Caleb Williams on His New Head Coach: “Ben Johnson’s Great…I Love Him”
One of the most encouraging developments for Bears fans has been the arrival of Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator. Known across the league as an innovative play-caller, he appears to be building an instant rapport with his young signal-caller.
“Ben Johnson’s great,” Williams said with a wide smile. “It’s not just Ben Johnson. We have a young staff, old staff — we have a bunch of experience, a bunch of new energy provided from the coaches and the players. I think it’s been awesome.”
That blend of experience and youth across the coaching staff is something Williams clearly appreciates. The former Heisman Trophy winner emphasized the balance between veteran knowledge and fresh ideas as a critical part of the Bears’ early progress during OTAs and minicamp.
But what stood out the most was how Williams described his relationship with Johnson. “He uses some choice words every day towards me. He’s tough, and I love him. He’s awesome,” Williams shared, hinting at the competitive edge and accountability that Johnson brings to the team. “It’s been great being around him. We hang out in his office, and we have lunch sometimes, things like that.”
It’s those small, behind-the-scenes moments that build trust and communication between a quarterback and head coach, and it’s clear that Williams values the time spent fostering that bond.
A New Era in Chicago: “Our Goal Is to Be Here for a While”
The Bears have often been caught in a frustrating cycle of bringing in and letting go of head coaches and quarterbacks. It’s a pattern Bears fans know all too well. Williams, however, didn’t shy away from acknowledging the team’s rocky past, while also putting his foot down on what the future should look like.
“I know Bears fans — it’s year after year, typically, where coaches and quarterbacks are typically in and out,” he said. “Our goal is to be here for a while.”
That single line might be the most significant quote of the entire offseason. For a fanbase that has long craved stability and a sense of direction, Williams’ words are a beacon of hope.
As the 2025 season inches closer, all eyes will be on Chicago. And for once, the Bears might actually have the quarterback/head coach combination they’ve been searching for all this time.
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