LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson sees significant growth in quarterback Caleb Williams as the team heads into its first season under their combined leadership.
Johnson told reporters Tuesday that Williams is “so much more comfortable” during training camp practices, noting an increase in the complexity of the offense being introduced daily.
“His process is really clean right now. I’m talking about how he’s preparing. I’m really pleased with it,” Johnson added. “He’s doing the work behind the scenes that no one else is seeing, and we’re starting to see the dividends being paid from it.”
This positive assessment offers encouragement to Bears fans, particularly after Williams’ rookie year under the previous coaching staff was marked by inconsistency. The former USC Trojans star threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. However, his completion percentage was 62.5%, and he was sacked 68 times, tied for the third-most in a single NFL season.
Williams’ collegiate Heisman Trophy-winning season at USC saw him pass for 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns and five interceptions. Even then, his collegiate completion percentage never exceeded 70%.
Given Johnson’s track record coordinating one of the league’s most potent offenses with the Detroit Lions, expectations are high for Williams to show significant improvement in his second NFL season.
Earlier this offseason, it was reported that the new Bears coaching staff specifically targeted areas for Williams to improve, including his body language.
Johnson elaborated on the importance of body language in May, stating, “There’s adversity that’s going to hit every team, every season. You don’t know when it’s going to happen.”
He continued, “We might lose a few games, we might have some turnovers, and yet just the wherewithal of we’re steering the ship, we’re going the right direction. It’s not, ‘Woe is me.’ We are going to take everyone around us. We’re going to elevate them and we’re going to look to forge ahead to what’s next.”
Johnson emphasized the need to learn from mistakes without dwelling on them. “Whether it’s last season, last play, last game, we learn from it, we grow and we move on. Our body language needs to reflect that as well.”
Williams was also challenged to refine his “presnap procedure.” Johnson’s latest comments suggest the Bears quarterback is making progress, demonstrating a commitment to behind-the-scenes preparation.
Williams’ rookie campaign concluded with a 5-12 record as a starter. With a new coaching staff at the helm, the 2025 season holds considerable anticipation for Bears fans.
