Bears Give Caleb Williams Another Great Assistant Coach To Work With

Ben Johnson is working hard to build a capable staff around his new quarterback, Caleb Williams. He started by hiring Declan Doyle, a disciple of Sean Payton, as the new offensive coordinator. Then, former Ohio State star quarterback J.T. Barrett was brought aboard as the quarterbacks coach. One thing that is becoming clear about Johnson's approach is he isn't afraid to go young with his choices. He wants up-and-comers who are ready and willing to grind. It appears the Chicago Bears found another such type for their staff.

According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Bears are hiring San Diego offensive coordinator Matt Aponte for a position. The assumption is it will be an assistant quarterbacks coach. He held that same position with the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2019 and 2020. Many consider him a fast-rising star in the offensive community. The numbers he put up in two years with San Diego prove that much.

In 2024, Aponte directed a San Diego offense that saw quarterback Grant Sergent score a Pioneer Football League-best 26 touchdowns, which ranked ninth in the FCS during the regular season. Sergent totaled 2,403 yards that year and threw only five interceptions.

Aponte’s passing game also helped wide receiver Ja’seem Reed earn 2024 PFL Offensive Player of the Year honors as he finished in the top 10 nationally in total touchdowns, yards, and receptions.

In 2023 and 2024, Aponte’s offensive unit ranked second among PFL programs in total yards per game, averaging 365. Fourteen of his offensive players earned All-Conference nods in that timeframe.

Aponte likely understands the type of QB Caleb Williams is.

The offense he ran in college was similar to what made the Bears quarterback such a star at USC: shotgun-oriented with an aggressive down-the-field attack. Johnson likely wants somebody like that on the staff so he can get a headstart on crafting a new system to fit what Caleb Williams does best. It is a smart decision since the offense he ran in Detroit was significantly different. Having ideas men like Aponte with significant upsides should make the coaching staff more diverse and motivated. Besides, it brings depth to the roster in case Barrett gets plucked by another team for an offensive coordinator position, presuming Williams excels moving forward. Either way, this is another addition worth being intrigued about. Aponte excels wherever he's been. That is typically a sign of rapid ascension. It will be interesting to see what influence he has.