Brian Urlacher, celebrated for his 13-year tenure with the Chicago Bears, recently weighed in on Caleb Williams and the Bears’ current situation. Speaking with a hopeful and sincere tone, Urlacher suggested that Williams’ potential Offensive Rookie of the Year honors were hindered by unstable coaching and a weak offensive line during his first NFL season. According to Urlacher, these factors prevented Williams from fully showcasing his abilities in 2024.
Williams, selected as the No. 1 overall draft pick last year, faced a difficult rookie campaign that started promisingly with a 4–2 record. However, the Bears’ team quickly fell apart, enduring a 10-game losing streak that resulted in significant coaching changes and upheaval as Williams was still adjusting to the professional level.
Impact of Coaching Instability and Offensive Line Weakness
Urlacher emphasized that Williams’ struggles were not entirely his fault, attributing much of the rookie’s underperformance to the chaotic environment surrounding him. Chicago has experienced persistent inconsistency since the departure of coach Lovie Smith in 2013, cycling through six head coaches, including interim appointments. Urlacher argues that this lack of stability has crippled player development and team success, which directly impacted Williams.
I think if you maybe put him in a different situation last year, he could have been Rookie of the Year,
Urlacher stated, reflecting on the missed opportunity for Williams to thrive in a less turbulent setting.
What Kingsbury did with Jayden Daniels at the [Commanders], and what Bo Nix did with Sean Payton in Denver. So maybe getting different people around him. So much turmoil going on there. That goes back to the Lovie [Smith] thing. It’s been 13 years since they got rid of Lovie, it’s been that way every year, there’s been no consistency in the coaching department,
he added, drawing comparisons to other rookie quarterbacks who benefited from more stable and supportive environments.
Balancing Criticism: Williams’ Own Development and Team Context
While Urlacher’s comments showed his loyalty to the Bears, some analysts suggest that Williams also bears responsibility for a rookie season that failed to meet the lofty expectations set by his draft status. Despite being the first quarterback taken in 2024’s NFL Draft, Williams’ overall impact was arguably outshone by peers like Jayden Daniels. However, the tumult within the Bears organization — particularly changes in coaching and a historically poor offensive line — played a substantial role in limiting his success.
Urlacher acknowledged the uphill battle Williams faced as Chicago’s all-time leading tackler spoke on the positives emerging in 2025. The Bears have made significant upgrades to their roster and coaching staff, aiming to build a foundation for Williams to flourish.
New Coaching Staff and Offensive Line Improvements Signal Hope
The Bears entered the 2025 season with a complete overhaul of both their coaching staff and offensive line, a clear attempt to create a more stable and talented environment for their young quarterback. Ben Johnson was brought in as head coach to lead the team’s new direction, winning Urlacher’s endorsement.
And it’s not the player’s fault, that’s just the way it goes—well, maybe it is the players’ fault, because they haven’t won, so they can’t keep a coach. But I think Ben Johnson is the man. I love that hire. I think he’ll do a great job with Caleb. They got some talent. They found some guys up front to protect Caleb. And they’ve always had the receivers, so I think that’s gonna be a good thing for him,
Urlacher said, expressing confidence in the Bears’ new leadership and roster construction.
Besides Johnson, the Bears brought in notable football minds, including offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, Eric Bieniemy, and former players Jim Dray and Antwaan Randle El on offense. On defense, the experienced Dennis Allen returned as head coach with all-pro defensive back Al Harris overseeing the secondary. This influx of expertise is viewed as crucial for fostering Williams’ growth.
Fan Support and Anticipation for Caleb Williams’ Future
Fans of the Bears have embraced Urlacher’s optimistic view, rallying behind the legendary linebacker’s endorsement of the team’s new approach and Williams’ future prospects. Comments on social media included praise such as,
Brian is a true New Mexico legend, love how he always knows ball,
highlighting the respect Urlacher commands in football circles and among the Chicago faithful.
The excitement around the Bears has noticeably increased after last year’s disappointing results. With a revamped coaching staff committed to consistency and an improved offensive line designed to better support Williams, Chicago’s fans and analysts alike are cautiously hopeful that the quarterback can now unlock his true potential as an offensive leader.
Outlook for Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears
Brian Urlacher’s remarks underscore a critical point about the interconnectedness of coaching, team stability, and rookie development. Caleb Williams, with the right support system and protection on the field, could have emerged as a standout rookie last season. The Bears are banking on these improvements to turn their attention from rebuilding to competing in the coming years.
The significance of this transition lies not only in Williams’ individual performance but also in the Bears’ ability to maintain coaching consistency and roster talent. If the new structure holds, Williams is well-positioned to realize the high expectations surrounding him, potentially making him a strong candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year in the near future.