Caleb Williams issues challenge to next Bears head coach

Many believed back in September that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams would easily claim Offensive Rookie of the Year honors for the 2024 season, but he instead struggled as the Bears went from 4-2 to 4-12 before they earned a Week 18 win over the Green Bay Packers. He also dealt with the in-season firings of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus. 

Williams spoke with reporters on Monday and shared quite a message for Chicago's yet-to-be-hired next head coach. 

"I would say just challenge me," Williams said, as shared by Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "Whether it’s pulling me aside and saying whatever — having talks consistently. Maybe having a list of things we want to accomplish, myself first — that helps the team. From there, help find ways to set goals. However it might work out, just challenge. Find ways to help better myself and better the team. Really excited about that."

The first overall pick of the 2024 draft, Williams flashed promise at times during his debut pro season but also looked like somewhat of a defeated player as he routinely took beatings throughout the campaign. Pro Football Reference shows that he was sacked more times (68) than any other quarterback this season. To compare, C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans was second on the list with 52 sacks taken. 

Stories have linked the Bears with offensive minds such as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. Back in late December, well-known NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger suggested that coaching was a big reason rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels found immediate success with the Washington Commanders as Williams experienced more lows than highs with Chicago. 

"There were more lessons this year than I would say I’ve had," Williams added during his comments. "One of the things was all of the different things throughout the week that it takes for me to go out there and play well, the team to play well. That’s something I learned early on. Finding ways to be better with those things throughout the year and the years to come."

Williams finished Week 18 ranked second in the NFL among rookie signal-callers with 351 completions, second with 562 pass attempts, third with 3,541 yards through the air, third with 20 passing touchdowns and second with 489 rushing yards on the season. He may be eager to find "ways to be better," but he should first focus on recovering from the type of campaign that could leave any young player both physically and mentally exhausted.