Bears’ Caleb Williams Adapts to New Offense Under Coach Ben Johnson

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is adapting to a new and challenging environment as he enters his second season. Under head coach Ben Johnson, who is known for his offensive acumen, Williams is focused on developing his skills in the offseason while building a strong relationship with his new coach.

This week marked the beginning of the Bears’ offseason program, allowing players to meet with Johnson and start preparations for the 2025 season. One significant adjustment for Williams is transitioning to taking more snaps under center, moving away from the shotgun-heavy style that characterized much of his rookie season.

“It’s definitely an adjustment,” Williams said during a recent media session. “It’s working on getting up to the line and visualizing everything, saying the cadence, and controlling those things.” Williams emphasized the importance of practicing these elements now, stating that they need to become second nature by the time the team hits critical moments in games.

Last season, the Bears operated 70.8% of their plays from the shotgun, tying them for 16th most in the NFL. In contrast, Johnson’s former team, the Detroit Lions, utilized the shotgun just 44% of the time—indicating a stark difference in approach. Johnson’s offense emphasizes under-center formations, which he believes can enhance efficiency.

“Whatever team has the higher passing game EPA (Expected Points Added) at the end of the game generally wins,” Johnson noted, citing the importance of statistics in game strategy. “It’s a huge stat, and that’s where we look to inflate those numbers.”

Williams welcomes this change, expressing a desire to grow under Johnson’s tutelage. “Us growing together is key,” he asserted. “Him pushing me is key. I know that, and he knows that.” Williams is eager to embrace Johnson’s challenging coaching style, which began with what he described as a “pop quiz” on the second day of the program.

“Today we had our first quiz in the QB room,” Williams recounted. “Ben walked in, flung open the door, made a grand entrance, and then we got to work, with him testing us about what we talked about yesterday.” Williams appreciated the challenge and acknowledged it as part of the sport. “Everybody loves a challenge in this sport. It’s one of the great things about this sport,” he said.

The focus on mental sharpness alongside physical training is a cornerstone of Johnson’s philosophy. He recognizes that if the Bears are to succeed, they must develop a clear understanding of the playbook and develop chemistry as a team. Williams emphasized the significance of team bonding during the offseason, saying it’s crucial for overcoming challenges in the coming season.

“We really can’t wait to get to work with these guys,” Williams said. “We’ve meshed well these past two days, and we’re all really excited. That doesn’t just mean time on the board; it also means hanging out in the offseason and building that bond.”

With Williams at the helm and Johnson bringing a fresh offensive strategy, the Bears aim to lay a solid foundation for the 2025 season. The relationship between the young quarterback and the seasoned coach will be pivotal as the team seeks new success.