New revelations from ESPN reporter Seth Wickersham’s upcoming book have put the spotlight on Caleb Williams’ rocky rookie season in Chicago, drawing sharp criticism from former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III. The most striking detail: Williams often watched film alone, without help from his coaches.
Robert Griffin III Slams Chicago Bears’ Ex-Coaches Amid Startling Revelations from Caleb Williams’ Rookie Year
Griffin didn’t hold back, posting on his official X account: “Caleb Williams not being taught what to watch on film weekly by his Chicago coaches last year was coaching malpractice. Just because it’s the NFL doesn’t mean that the development stops. If you want your QB to see the game like you, then teach him how to watch tape like you do.”
The most damning detail from Wickersham’s upcoming book, American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback, is Williams’ admission that during his rookie season, “No one tells me what to watch,” and that he “just turn[s] it on” when reviewing game film.
That lack of guidance from then-offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus adds to the picture of coaching instability in Chicago—both were fired after a 10-game losing streak.
Caleb Williams not being taught what to watch on film weekly by his Chicago coaches last year was coaching malpractice. Just because it’s the NFL doesn’t mean that the development stops. If you want your QB to see the game like you, then teach him how to watch tape like you do.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII)
Concerns about Chicago’s fit for Williams started before the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb’s father, Carl Williams, was so wary of the Bears that he looked into legal ways to bypass the NFL draft system. “Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die,” he told Wickersham, later adding, “I don’t want my son playing for the Bears.”
Carl even considered having Caleb sign with the United Football League to avoid the draft and enter the NFL on his own terms in 2025.
Carl reportedly met with labor lawyers and agents and also sought advice from Archie Manning, who helped Eli Manning avoid being drafted by the Chargers in 2004. He voiced strong frustration with the rookie wage scale and called the CBA “the worst piece of s*** I’ve ever read. It’s the worst in sports history.”
Despite all that, Caleb chose not to “nuke the city” and accepted his draft fate. He told his dad, “I can do it for this team. I’m going to go to the Bears.”
His rookie season was statistically solid—62.5% completion rate, 20 touchdowns, six interceptions—but he was sacked a league-high 68 times. The lack of coaching support, both strategically and developmentally, likely held him back.
MORE: Former NFL QB Blasts Bears for Caleb Williams Debacle
The Bears have since hired Ben Johnson as their new head coach. Caleb is now more hopeful, saying Johnson is “super smart, super sharp.” Johnson, for his part, said Caleb is “very proud to be a Chicago Bear.”
Still, the damage from the previous regime hasn’t been forgotten—and it’s now very public.