The Chicago Bears enter the 2025 season with a brand-new head coach—one who comes from a division rival. With the always-tough NFC North ahead, Caleb Williams will try to lead this team to heights they haven’t reached in years. Still, not everyone is convinced he can do it alone. A former NFL quarterback recently asked the big question: Can Williams really turn the Bears around by himself?
Chase Daniel Doesn’t Believe Caleb Williams Can Turn Chicago Bears Around by Himself
At just 23 years old, Caleb Williams is the latest young quarterback trying to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump. He’s already experienced his share of chaos—coaching changes, play-caller turnover, and sky-high expectations. Now, in 2025, Williams is focused on improving both himself and the team.
“I trust Caleb and Ben Johnson together as a combo,” Daniel said. “I don’t think right now Caleb is ready, just by himself, to be the guy to turn the Bears around. They won five games last year. I think the goal is ten wins, competing for a division title, and playing some meaningful ball in December.”
After Thanksgiving last season, the Bears were 4–9. They had lost ten straight games after starting 4–2 and hitting their bye week. Even with the 2024 struggles, Daniel has some belief in the new-look Bears.
“Caleb Williams right now isn’t ready to be the guy who turns the Bears around by himself…But I do trust Caleb and Ben Johnson together.”
— @ChaseDaniel pic.twitter.com/jhrVWBAN5t
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) May 29, 2025
“When you look at it, that NFC North division is a tough division. It’s winnable, though. I’m not saying the Bears are going to win it, but it’s a sneaky winnable division.”
Daniel added, “Right now, I want to see [Caleb] be a point guard. It’s not about being a superstar in Year 1. Learn the offense and go win some games, because Ben Johnson is going to put you in the right position to succeed.”
MORE: Former Bears Tight End ‘Disappointed’ in Matt Eberflus
The Bears won’t have time to ease into the season. They open with back-to-back division matchups against the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. With those games right out of the gate, it’s sink or swim early for Chicago.
Daniel also joined the chorus of those pointing out a long-standing stat: The Bears still don’t have a single quarterback in franchise history who’s thrown for 4,000 yards in a season. Last year, Williams finished with 3,541 passing yards and 489 rushing yards, topping 4,000 total yards as a rookie.
The potential is clearly there—but now it’s on Ben Johnson and the coaching staff to unlock it.