Ben Johnson wants to change narrative about Bears' QB struggles 1hy5e
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is embracing the opportunity to flip the script about the franchise's historical struggles to develop quarterbacks. 45j65
"I love it," Johnson said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "I love the opportunity to come on in and change that narrative. That's where great stories are written. So, we're looking to write a new chapter here - 2025 Chicago Bears - and looking forward to the future."
Johnson fielded questions about quarterback Caleb Williams and his father, Carl Williams. The pair explored ways for the younger Williams not to be selected by the Bears ahead of the 2024 draft, according to excerpts from the book "American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback" by Seth Wickersham. They asked attorneys to find a loophole around the NFL's collective bargaining agreement and looked at potentially playing in the UFL, and are quoted as saying Chicago is where "quarterbacks go to die."
Johnson, who went to the Bears from the Detroit Lions after serving as the latter's offensive coordinator, says he established an "outstanding" rapport with Williams.
"He's his own man," Johnson said. "He's gonna be treated as such. I think we're both really looking forward to turning the page on years prior and focusing on the here and now."
Wickersham's book also detailed Williams' frosty relationship with former Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who was dismissed in November. Former head coach Matt Eberflus was also fired following a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Lions, and the book reveals that Williams spent time during his rookie season watching film without coaches.
The USC product ed for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions with a 62.5% completion rate in 2024. The 23-year-old was also hauled down for a league-leading 68 sacks last season.
But Johnson isn't stressed about what happened before he arrived in Chicago. The first-year head coach is instead locked in on helping his quarterback prepare for his sophomore campaign.
"He's gonna go out there and play as well as he possibly can, not just for himself or for me, but for the whole team and the city," Johnson said.