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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams dealt concerning message from ex-GM

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated May 31, 2025 9:17 AM ET

When it comes to 2025 breakout candidates, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is atop many lists. However, not everyone is convinced Williams will be a bonafide stud during his sophomore campaign.

The expectations on Williams’ shoulders have reach stratospheric levels. The Bears spent all offseason building their roster around him. The quarterback no longer has any excuses if he continues to struggle.

Mike Tannenbaum is a bit weary that Williams will be up for the challenge. Especially with Ben Johnson taking over as head coach, Tannenbaum is concerned about the quarterback’s discipline levels.

“I am not (convinced about Williams in Chicago),” Tannenbaum said on "Get Up." “I worked with Ben Johnson in Miami, the new head coach of the Bears. He is going to be a rule-based, disciplined play-caller and coach. When you have 68 sacks? Look, the Bears were not great in coaching, not great in personnel last year, but you have to bear some of that responsibility.

"No team has done more for their quarterback in this offseason than the Bears. We’ll see if he’ll get better, but I am concerned by his lack of his discipline in his fundamentals, that’s not going to allow him to maximize his potential.”

Chicago Bears counting on Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The hiring of an offensive-minded head coach in Johnson was the first step in elevating Williams’ game. But through free agency and the draft, the Bears further proved that they believe they found their quarterback of the future.

Chicago traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson before signing center Drew Dalman. After allowing a league-high 68 sacks in 2024, the franchise wanted to protect Williams better.

When he looks downfield to pass, the quarterback will have a number of strong options to turn to. Tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III joined a core that already included DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet. Overall, the Bears have done everything in their power to put Williams in a place to succeed.

But if the quarterback doesn’t adapt to the changes, the additions will become moot. The Bears have gotten more hype than perhaps any other team in the league. How Williams responds to the challenge in front of him will determine if that hype turns into legit success.

Ben Johnson expectations

Chicago Bears HC Ben Johnson speaks at rookie minicamp. Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Rome was not built in a day, and neither will be the Bears. However, the arrival of Johnson is expected to bring massive changes to the organization. His debut as an NFL head coach will come with plenty of challenges. But if the Bears offense looks anything like how the Detroit Lions did under Johnson, Chicago will be looking much different in 2025 for all the right seasons.

In 2024, the Lions ranked second in total offense, averaging 409.5 yards per game. Detroit was second in passing (263.2) and sixth in rushing (146.4). Meanwhile, the Bears ranked dead last in total offense, averaging 284.6 YPG. They ranked 31st in passing (181.5) and 25th in rushing (102).

But with Johnson now in the fray, Chicago is expecting a resurgence in 2025.

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

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