NFL: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams knew Ryan Poles set him up to fail, wanted drafted by Vikings

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 15, 2025 12:57 PM ET

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles selected Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, but the 2023 Heisman Trophy-winner and his family were reportedly looking at trying drastic options to keep him away from then-head coach Matt Eberflus’ staff.

Poles and Eberflus made the joint and idiotic decision to hire Shane Waldron as the offensive coordinator for 2024 after Luke Getsy was fired after two seasons of incompetence under the regime of Poles and Eberflus.

Caleb Williams didn’t want to be drafted by the Chicago Bears

Per ESPN, Seth Wickersham has a book coming out in September, “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback.” In the book, Wickersham details the Williams family considering the option to ‘nuke” the 2024 draft so Williams didn’t have to go to Chicago, a team that Carl Williams, Caleb’s father, said is a place quarterbacks “go to die.”

Williams didn’t think he could “do it” with Waldron as the offensive coordinator.

Via ESPN:

“Looking for a way around the league’s collective bargaining agreement, Carl Williams spoke with Archie Manning, who helped Eli Manning assert a measure of control over his eventual team in 2004. He also met with labor lawyers and agents — and even considered whether his son could sign with the United Football League and become an unrestricted NFL free agent in 2025 to be able to pick a team.”

Williams wanted to go to the Vikings

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) and quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) enter the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Caleb’s preferred destination was with head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings, but Poles told the USC standout the Bears were taking him regardless.

Following a trip to Halas Hall in the pre-draft process, Williams gained confidence that he could turn around the Bears’ franchise.

Williams didn’t turn around Chicago in his rookie season. He threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions as the Bears finished with a 5-12 record.

Waldron didn’t finish the season with Chicago, being fired on Nov. 12. Eberflus was fired on Black Friday. The other party that helped make Williams’ life a living (expletive) with Waldron, Poles, is still the general manager, presiding over the Bears after winning 15 games in three seasons.

Syndication: Detroit Free Press Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) makes a pass against Detroit Lions during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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