People tried to find reasons why Caleb Williams didn't have the rookie season he probably should've when compared to guys like Jayden Daniels or Bo Nix. There were plenty of viable ones, such as an undermanned offensive line. However, the persistent issue raised by multiple teammates over the previous months was remarkable passivity from the coaching staff. Former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and even head coach Matt Eberflus weren't holding guys accountable in practice enough, including Williams.
After the regular season finale in Green Bay, the quarterback was asked what he hoped for in the next head coach. His answer was similar to those of his teammates.
“I would say just challenge me,” Williams said. “Whether it’s pulling me aside and saying whatever — having talks consistently. Maybe having a list of things, we want to accomplish, myself first — that helps the team. From there help find ways to set goals. However it might work out, just challenge. Find ways to help better myself and better the team."
A couple of weeks later, after an extensive search involving 17 candidates, the Bears hired Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. It was indisputable that the 38-year-old had outstanding success for three straight years, but some wondered if he had the personality to get the most out of his quarterback. These comments from Jared Goff last September about Johnson said it all.
"He's not afraid to coach me and coach me hard and that's what I crave," Goff said. "I love being coached hard and I love getting feedback. He wants me to be great as much as I want to be great and it's fun to play for a guy like that."
Caleb Williams shouldn't expect the coddling treatment anymore.
This is a signal from GM Ryan Poles and the front office that they took what the players said to heart. He even went so far as to say Williams tended to skip some steps in his game preparations, which often led to his consistency issues. That again goes back to coaching. It isn't a coincidence guys like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes have had such glittering success. Both were groomed by knowledgeable and demanding head coaches, Bill Belichick and Andy Reid. Yes, players should be expected to have strong work ethics, but they're still human, prone to cutting corners whenever possible.
Coaches are responsible for not letting the little things slide. You can't do that and expect to win in this league. It sounds like Johnson is a perfectionist, keen on getting every detail right. It reflects in how Goff has played for three years, putting together the most efficient sequence of his career. If Caleb Williams is willing to put in the work and accept the coaching, he will evolve as a quarterback in ways people have dreamed of for years.
