The Chicago Bears have seen notable improvements in quarterback Caleb Williams’ performance under the guidance of head coach Ben Johnson, who was hired to enhance Williams’ development. After a promising rookie year, Johnson expects their collaboration to deepen, believing the quarterback’s best performances are still ahead as they prepare for the 2026 season.
Early Success and Areas for Growth in Williams’ Game
The first season working together yielded positive results, marked by the Bears’ strongest campaign in nearly ten years. Johnson highlighted Williams’ quick adaptation to his coaching approach, praising his innate football talent. However, Johnson noted that increasing Williams’ discipline to play more within the team’s structured system remains a focus for future improvement.
Johnson said,
“Well, he’s done a phenomenal job just picking up the coaching. There’s a lot of new that came in. He just hadn’t played a lot of ball in this league yet, and yet he is a phenomenal football player, and he can do some things on his own. We just got to get him to play in structure just a tad bit more. I think he’s just gonna be lightyears better just understanding what we’re trying to get done. I’m really looking forward going into year two with him.”
Williams’ Statistical Growth and Coaching Stability Amid Changes
During the 2025 season, Williams completed 3,942 passing yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions, achieving a completion rate of 58.2 percent. While his completion percentage left room for growth, most of his statistics improved from his rookie year, reflecting his ongoing progress under Johnson’s mentorship.
Although Williams’ ability to improvise on the field creates opportunities, it also leads to prolonged possession of the ball, an area coaches have identified as needing refinement. This balance between creativity and structure is central to Williams’ development path.
The Bears will face coaching adjustments before the 2026 season, losing offensive coordinator Declan Doyle to the Baltimore Ravens. To maintain continuity, Johnson promoted passing game coordinator Press Taylor to offensive coordinator, while quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett remains on staff for his second year, providing ongoing support for Williams.
Anticipating Future Growth and Team Impact
Ben Johnson’s belief in Caleb Williams’ potential underscores a vision of maturation and enhanced performance in the coming seasons. With a strong foundation laid in their first year and strategic coaching continuity, the Bears aim to maximize Williams’ skills, hoping the quarterback will blend his improvisational strengths with greater tactical discipline.
This developmental trajectory is pivotal for the Bears’ future competitiveness, signaling that Williams’ growth could lead to stronger team success as they build on the progress achieved in 2025.
"[Caleb Williams] just hadn't played a lot of ball in this league yet, and yet he is a phenomenal football player." 🙌
Bears head coach Ben Johnson joins SportsCenter to discuss his historic first season in Chicago and building chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams ✍️ pic.twitter.com/W07bhn1eDH
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 24, 2026
