The number one pick in the 2024 draft! When a player achieves something this significant as a rookie, expectations are naturally high. However, in order to meet those expectations, you must also have some luck, and Caleb Williams‘ luck did not shine this year. The QB gave his all, but it felt like he wasn’t able to show the NFL world his real potential. And Ben Johnson has vouched for his potential.

For those who missed it, Ben Johnson appeared before the media and discussed the Lions’ game versus the Bears. The offensive coordinator discussed how much the team is preparing to counter the rookie QB. Johnson believes Caleb Williams can pass the ba-l quickly, which is a difficult thing to counter in a game. Not only that, but Williams’ ambition can propel him to the ranks of the game’s legends.

The OC emphasized, “It’s been difficult to just sit down and study every throw, but plenty of crossover tape over the course of the year and there’s no question that this guy is talented.” Williams completed 288 of 465 passes for a total of 2,937 yards in his debut season. This figure is not pretty significant, but it is also not horrible. Nobody expected him to perform averagely because the expectations were so high.

While many people would dismiss Johnson’s praise as commonplace, there is another twist in the story. If you recall, there have been whispers that the Bears are seeking a head coach and that the Lions’ offensive coordinator may be interested. But is it possible?

Ben Johnson admits to being interested in becoming the Bears’ head coach

Even after getting the first pick in the 2024 draft, the Bears have not had a very successful season. There are numerous causes behind this, but many supporters believe Matt Eberflus, the team’s recently fired head coach, was the root cause. The Bears’ tactics and strategies have not been particularly effective. And it is possible that this is why Caleb Williams is unable to realize his full potential.

Thomas Brown is now serving as a temporary coach, but the team is looking for a stronger candidate. And it looks like Ben Johnson wishes to fill this role. The Lions OC has confirmed his interest in an interview, “I think there’s a burning desire in every man to find what he’s made out of, push the limits, and see if he’s got what it takes. So, yeah, there’s a fire there. Now, when that time is, I don’t know when that’ll be, but there’s certainly a fire there.” 

Now that Ben Johnson has declared his interest in the post, everything is up to the Bears. If the team wants the OC to be their HC, they can do so starting next year. Alternatively, they can do it this year and experiment with the squad in preparation for a stronger comeback the next year. Whatever occurs, it’ll be interesting to observe what the Bears do.