Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson recently shared his thoughts on Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, offering high praise that has sparked interest among Bears fans and analysts. Johnson’s comments come at a time when the Bears are reportedly considering him as a candidate for their head coaching position.
During a press conference leading up to the Week 16 matchup between the Lions and the Bears, Johnson was asked about Williams. He responded with a smile, stating, “There’s no question this guy is talented.” Johnson recalled standing on the sideline during their previous encounter, noting, “You can hear the ball whistle by you. He’s got quite a fastball and has some creativity to him. Can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well.”
Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has had a challenging rookie season with the Bears, who are currently on a nine-game losing streak. Despite the team’s struggles, Williams has shown flashes of his potential, making him a central figure in the Bears’ future plans.
The Bears’ head coaching position is expected to be a focal point in the upcoming offseason. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Bears are likely to interview Johnson, among other offensive-minded candidates, to find a coach who can maximize Williams’ talents. Schefter noted, “They’re going to go on a search to find a partner for Caleb Williams because he becomes the most important asset that they have right now to sell to a coach.”
Johnson’s reputation as a creative offensive play-caller has been solidified during his tenure with the Lions. In the recent game against the Bears, his innovative play-calling was on full display. Early in the third quarter, the Lions executed a trick play involving a fake stumble by quarterback Jared Goff and a deceptive dive by running back Jahmyr Gibbs, resulting in a 21-yard touchdown pass. Such ingenuity has made Johnson a sought-after candidate for head coaching positions.
The potential pairing of Johnson with Williams is intriguing to many. With offensive weapons like D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet already in place, Johnson’s offensive acumen could unlock a high-powered attack for the Bears. However, the Bears are not the only team interested in Johnson. He interviewed with multiple teams during the last hiring cycle and is expected to be a top candidate for several head coaching vacancies this offseason.
Johnson himself has expressed confidence in his readiness to take on a head coaching role, stating earlier this month, “I’d say I’m much more prepared than I was the last two years. Now that I’ve been through the wringer a couple times, had some interviews, I certainly do feel more prepared, just from a big-picture standpoint.”
As the Bears’ search for a new head coach intensifies, Johnson’s admiration for Williams and his proven offensive creativity make him a compelling candidate. The prospect of Johnson mentoring Williams could signal a new era for the Bears’ offense, aiming to revitalize a franchise eager for success.
For a visual insight into Johnson’s comments about Caleb Williams, you can watch the following video:
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