It’s not often a coach gets the opportunity to be around a talent at the quarterback position such as Caleb Williams and yet, that’s exactly what’s in store for Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus — hopefully for many years.
The Bears, coming off a 7-10 campaign, made Williams the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft last month. Eberflus, speaking with the Chicago media at the start of rookie minicamp Friday, called getting the chance to coach Williams a “great opportunity.”
“It’s really a great opportunity,” Eberflus said. “It’s refreshing to be able to do that. I know the whole building is excited about working together not only with Caleb but with everybody. It’s certainly nice to have that fresh start.”
Williams wrapped up his collegiate career having thrown for 10,082 yards, 93 touchdowns and 14 interceptions on 66.9% passing across one season at Oklahoma and two at USC. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2022 after throwing for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns and rushing for 382 yards and 10 scores.
When the NFL season begins this September, Williams will become the 30th quarterback to start for the Bears since 2000. The Bears, founded in 1920, have never had a 4,000-yard passer, something Williams hopes to change.
Caleb Williams on leading as a rookie: ‘You gotta learn how to follow first’
Williams has been busy at getting acclimated to Chicago’s playbook, a process which reportedly started in early April before he was officially a Bear. He’s also been leaning on the veterans on the roster, learning what it takes to lead a group of 53 men.
“To be a great leader, you gotta learn how to follow first,” Williams said. “Right now, I’m following all the vets. I’m following all the coaches. I’m listening, having both ears open and my mouth shut. When I learn everything, when I learn the ways of how we do it with the culture, then you can start taking the lead. Then you can start taking the helm of all of it and taking next steps.
“For right now though, I’m listening more than I’m speaking and talking.”
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