In January 2025, Ben Johnson had two choices: join the Jaguars or team up with Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. The former Lions offensive coordinator chose what he had always wanted—coaching a talented rookie quarterback. It made sense after finishing the season with a disappointing 5–12 record.

Though reporters like Tom Pelissero noted Johnson was eager to work with Caleb, the situation is quickly becoming more complicated. Surprisingly, the excitement surrounding Williams might now be Johnson’s biggest challenge.

When asked recently about his new head coach, Williams said, “I’m super excited about it,” adding, “Being able to be in this position, to have a first year with ups and downs, and then come in here more confident than last year, with this group—I really can’t wait to get to work.” Ironically, that very excitement may be the source of Johnson’s early headaches.

According to Esquire.com, Caleb Williams admitted that his behavior might already be giving his head coach a headache. “Ben and I, we’ve been working on our relationship. I’ve asked him a boatload of questions. He’s probably already tired of me, but I think it’s going to be great,” Caleb noted in the interview with Esquire.com. 2024’s first overall pick also shared his long-term vision: he wants to build something lasting with Ben Johnson—specifically, to help make the Bears great again.

Ben Johnson proved his worth with the Detroit Lions, especially through the impressive turnaround of quarterback Jared Goff, a former No. 1 overall pick. Under Johnson’s guidance, Goff finished the 2024 season ranked 2nd in passing yards, 4th in touchdowns, and 6th in quarterback rating (68.4) while ranking 99th in interceptions—an outstanding achievement. That’s precisely why Caleb Williams wants to work with Johnson.

In a season marked by head coach and offensive coordinator firings, Caleb Williams managed to perform decently in 2024. However, his stats weren’t exactly impressive. He had 3,541 passing yards, ranking him 17th, and tied for 15th in touchdowns with only 15. His quarterback rating was also on the lower side, at 46.7.

That’s why it will be exciting to see how Johnson helps elevate Williams’s game. But for that to happen, the head coach better be ready for a few headaches. Caleb makes his intensity clear—he’s determined to avoid repeating last season’s disappointment.

Caleb Williams’ first season was full of tears

We all know that the Chicago Bears won only five games last season. But losing 10 games in a row? That was unacceptable. After winning their 4th game (35-16) against the Jaguars on October 12, 2024, Caleb’s team registered their fifth and last victory on January 4, 2025, against the Packers. The Bears snapped the losing streak after 10 freaking games. 

While speaking with Brian O’Keefe of Esquire, Caleb Williams opened up about the emotional toll of last season, admitting he cried after enduring a brutal losing streak. “I think those losses were pretty important for me and my growth,” the Bears’ quarterback said. “To go on a losing streak, to be in this position and be at the helm of it, was definitely important for me. Just being able to see how I need to be when times are bad. I’m going to work my tail off to never be in that situation again,” he added.

Caleb said, “When I got home, I got in my bed. I just dropped a few tears. I was just so beat up—mentally, physically, spiritually,” recalling that bad phase. This emotional insight gives more weight to that “headache” Ben Johnson might be feeling. Caleb is all-in—driven by the pain of last season and determined never to experience it again.

With the draft complete, the Bears are heading into training camp. While a few early meetings have taken place, official workouts are set to begin soon. Now the real test begins: Can Caleb Williams bounce back to beast mode under Ben Johnson’s leadership?