Caleb Williams entered the NFL in 2024 with enormous hype, but his rookie season with the Chicago Bears failed to meet expectations. Although his talent is unquestioned, concerns about Caleb Williams coachability concerns Bears are emerging as the team starts fresh under new coach Ben Johnson.
NFL analyst Colin Cowherd addressed Williams’ ability to respond to coaching during Tuesday’s episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd.
“Nobody disputes his talent, arm, athleticism, escapability and toughness,” Cowherd said (Timestamp: 0:55). “But all of the things he struggles with are improvable, are coachable. … Sometimes I think he plays a little hero ball from time to time. You can coach your way out of that.” —Colin Cowherd
Despite facing an unstable offensive line and uneven team support, Williams managed to throw for over 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, adding nearly 500 rushing yards. Yet, Cowherd noted that league insiders also harbor doubts about how well Williams adjusts to a structured system.
Williams, 23, faced visible frustration on the field last season and endured a league-high 68 sacks, highlighting vulnerabilities around him.
Former Bears Coaches Frustrated with Williams’ Rookie Year Performance and Attitude
As Caleb Williams prepares for his second NFL season, his on-field flashes of brilliance have been overshadowed by off-field concerns. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner’s rookie year was marked not only by uneven play but also by issues related to his approach and public behavior.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler revealed on July 6 that members of the Bears’ previous coaching staff were displeased with Williams’ handling of certain responsibilities.
“Some of the previous Bears coaches were not overly thrilled, I was told, that he made public that he was watching film by himself,” Fowler said. “They felt like he could’ve handled that a little better from an accountability standpoint.” —Jeremy Fowler
The Bears endured turmoil last season with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron being fired midseason, followed by the dismissal of head coach Matt Eberflus. Williams had to navigate this fractured environment, contributing to a disappointing 5-12 record. Fowler emphasized that maturity and how Williams handles adversity will be central to his growth moving forward.
“Football maturity is going to be a big thing for him,” Fowler added. “The Bears have already been working with him on body language, how you’re handling yourself in the huddle, on the sidelines when a play doesn’t go right.” —Jeremy Fowler
Reports indicate that Williams has responded positively to Ben Johnson’s coaching style and approach, signaling a potential turning point for the quarterback as he adapts to the demands of professional football.
Future Outlook: What Williams’ Development Means for the Bears
The Bears’ upcoming season will likely hinge on how effectively Caleb Williams embraces coaching and grows in football maturity. His raw skill remains undeniable, but his ability to be receptive in practice, maintain composure, and perform within a system will be under close scrutiny.
For the Chicago Bears, a franchise eager to move beyond last year’s struggles, fostering Williams’ coachability could be key to unlocking his full potential and reversing the team’s fortunes in 2025 and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Caleb Williams autosexual?
A. Caleb Williams has identified as “Autosexual.” This means he feels a main sexual attraction and desire towards himself.
Q. What happened to Caleb Williams?
A. On January 3, 2022, Williams decided to explore new opportunities by entering the transfer portal. By February 1, he shared that he would be joining the University of Southern California’s football team. This move reunited him with Lincoln Riley, who was his former head coach at the Sooners before accepting a job with the Trojans.
Q. Why does Caleb Williams wear #18?
A. Caleb Williams explained why he chose to wear number 18: “I wore it in high school and won a championship with it. I realized Keenan Allen, a 13-year veteran and Hall of Famer, has that number here, so there wasn’t much to discuss.” Caleb asked about it, then agreed to choose another number by saying, “OK, cool, I’ll pick a different number.”
Q. Why did Caleb Williams cry after the game?
A. Williams remembered feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. After sitting for a while, he got up, approached his mom, and began to cry. For him, those tears reflected how much he cared about the game, not that he was weak.