Caleb Williams' Quote Resurfaces After Bears Hire Ben Johnson

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Benedetto Vitale | Last updated Jan 20, 2025 4:13 PM ET

The Chicago Bears made waves on Monday after officially announcing that former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will be the new head coach. Chicago acquires one of the top offensive minds in the league to pair up with prospect quarterback Caleb Williams.

Johnson is known for his unique play-calling and play designs that have turned the Detroit Lions offense into a power house. Now that he's a head coach, many are expecting to see that creative flair in Chicago with Williams under center.

The 38-year-old play caller might be a dream paring for Williams. While the Bears were conducting interviews, the rookie quarterback was asked about what qualities he'd want in a head coach from Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown on the "St. Brown Podcast."

Williams admitted that he wanted an offensive minded coach to work alongside with. While fielding questions, St. Brown joked that he would call Williams "trash" as a way to entice Johnson from leaving for the Bears job. It was all in good fun though and the 23-year-old quarterback joked alongside St. Brown. Overall, it sounded like Williams was all in on Johnson becoming his new head coach well before the hire.

Caleb Williams made it pretty clear on @StBrownPodcast that he wanted Ben Johnson.

Chicago made it happen. pic.twitter.com/qXdOrPOHwh https://t.co/5QdPTDoGmE
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 20, 2025

Johnson will be taking over a Bears roster that includes several star-caliber players. He'll have the pleasure of working alongside the former No. 1 pick to help develop the young quarterback after a roller coaster of a rookie campaign.

Williams finished his first year in the NFL with 3,541 passing yards, 489 rushing yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions while recording a 62.5% completion percentage. It was a solid year for a rookie despite Chicago allowing the most sacks this season with 68.

The Bears should largely benefit from Johnson's genius that's helped turned the Lions into an offensive powerhouse. Since being named the offensive coordinator in 2022, Detroit's offense has finished Top 3 in the league each year.

Johnson also has 15 years of coaching experience under his belt. This will be the first time in his career where he'll be the head coach. But his experience coaching tight ends, wide receivers, quarterbacks, and calling plays is something the Bears wanted to bring into the organization to help develop their young quarterback.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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