Every Bears fan is asking the same question: Is Caleb Williams the franchise savior they’ve waited for, or another quarterback who can’t turn raw talent into wins? After a rookie season filled with flashes of brilliance and costly mistakes, Williams faces the most critical offseason of his young career. With a new head coach and sky-high expectations, his ability to be coached could determine whether Chicago finally breaks its playoff drought.
What Will Determine Caleb Williams’ Success in Year Two?
Williams had an up-and-down year in his rookie season with the Chicago Bears. The first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing 62.5% of his pass attempts, adding 489 rushing yards on 81 carries.
However, individual numbers only tell part of the story. Chicago went 5-12 and finished last in the NFC North, while Williams took 68 sacks, which was tied for the third-most in NFL history. He also took plenty of blame for causing sacks by attempting to extend plays with his legs rather than staying in the pocket.
The struggles led to significant changes in Chicago’s organization. The Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus after a 4-8 start to the season, finishing the year with Thomas Brown serving as the interim head coach. Chicago has since hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to serve as their head coach in a move that has drawn plenty of praise.
Why Do NFL Executives Question Williams’ Coachability?
Williams entered the NFL with plenty of hype after an elite collegiate career, which saw him take home the Heisman Trophy in 2022. Colin Cowherd of “The Herd” recently suggested that his ability to find similar success as a professional will come down to how coachable he is as a player, stating:
“What makes Caleb Williams so fascinating and why the Bears are going to be such a great watch — nobody disputes his talent. I have a general manager who’s a critic of Caleb Williams. What it really comes down to Caleb Williams is coachability. Creative, strong — those are traits. We know that’s great, but all of the things he struggles with are improvable. Sometimes, I think he plays a little hero ball from time to time. You can coach your way out of that. Pocket presence — Lamar Jackson came into the NFL with none and now he’s excellent. There is such a wide range of outcomes for Caleb Williams. It really comes down to, can Caleb take to coaching?”
Can Caleb Williams put it all together in year 2? @colincowherd pic.twitter.com/I44KmIHuxw
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) July 21, 2025
The concerns from league executives center around Williams’ tendency to abandon the pocket too quickly and attempt to make spectacular plays rather than taking what the defense gives him. This “hero ball” mentality contributed to his high sack total and prevented the Bears from establishing a consistent offensive rhythm.
Williams entered the league viewed as a can’t-miss prospect, with many expecting him to lead a resurgence in Chicago immediately. The Bears’ front office has worked to improve the roster and coaching staff around him this offseason, leading many to believe that the organization will take the next step forward.
Now Williams has the chance to prove those executives wrong. He will look to lead the franchise to its first winning season since 2018, but only if he can show the coachability that separates good quarterbacks from great ones.
