On paper, Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson are the kind of coach and quarterback combo that feels like a dream of pairing: an athletic young quarterback with an elite arm, and a sharp offensive mind known for his creativity and detail.
But dig into their reputations a little, and it’s fair to wonder if their personalities and work habits might clash.
A recent controversial three-part series by Tyler Dunne suggested Williams wasn’t always grinding the way his coaches wanted, at least as a rookie in 2024. Former staffers told Dunne Williams sometimes shortchanged film study and leaned on a simplified offense.
One coach put it bluntly: “There’s no substitute for the work. That’s something he needs to learn.” Fair or not, the criticism gained traction because it matched what some around the league said about Williams’ preparation lagging behind his physical gifts.
On the September 17 episode of “The Ringer NFL Show,” host Sheil Kapadia spoke with Dunne, who raised new concerns about the Williams-Johnson pairing.
Are Caleb Williams & Ben Johnson’s Differences too Much for the Bears to Overcome?
Johnson has made no secret about his expectations for Williams. Since arriving from Detroit, the new Bears coach has set a pretty high bar.
He told reporters he wants Williams pushing for a 70% completion percentage this season, also noting he plans on coaching the young QB hard. Dunne says that based on what he’s hearing about Johnson, he’s not sure Williams and the Bears new coach have a similar work ethic and/or mindset.
“This is somebody who’s gonna lock himself in the office and he’s gonna find every answer to every question he could possibly face on Sunday. He’s gonna work and work,” Dunne said about Johnson.
“It’s kind of oil and water with him and the quarterback and the way they approach the sport — and really the way they approach the position. I think Caleb Williams is — he’s always excelled at backyard football. Ben Johnson wants somebody who is going to interpret that play, run that play, take the open receiver that’s there, timing, rhythm, all of that.”
All City Sports’ Will DeWitt agrees. “There’s a difference in mindset between the QB and HC,” he wrote on X.
How Jaylon Johnson’s Recent Comments About Williams Matter
A few of Williams’ teammates have also fed the narrative — if unintentionally — that the QB hasn’t always been the hardest worker. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, in what was meant as a compliment, noted that Williams’ car is “in the lot a lot longer than it was,” implying he’s spending more time at Halas Hall now than before.
This could also be a good thing, as Williams could be learning a new work ethic and habits from Johnson, who wants his quarterback obsessed with the boring stuff—footwork, verbiage, pre-snap recognition, etc. Williams has been more of a free spirit, someone who thrives in chaos and improvisation. If he doesn’t fully buy into Johnson’s process and vision, tension is inevitable.
Dunne: Ben Johnson Will Play Another QB if He Needs to
GettyThe relationship between head coach Ben Johnson and QB Caleb Williams is crucial. Can they overcome their differences and succeed in Chicago?
“We’ll see how it all meshes,” Dunne added. “I thought it was going to be a perfect storm going into this thing. But the more you learn how both kind of operate, I’m not so sure, man. I think that this thing is trending the wrong direction. And people who know Ben Johnson really well, they insist that if he needs to, he will play another quarterback. He will be unafraid to make that move.”
It’s important to remember,” Dunne also noted, “even right there in Chicago, Mitch Trubisky was Matt Nagy’s guy until he wasn’t. Justin Fields was Matt Eberflus’ and Ryan Poles’ guy until he wasn’t. These coaches and GMs inherit other people’s quarterbacks. The leash is going to be shorter. It’s human nature. ‘That’s not my guy. That’s not who I drafted.’ He’s going to want to play the quarterback that he believes can run his offense.”
That’s fair, but here’s the thing — this is just Dunne’s take. Williams is only in his second year, and there are signs of progress. The changes he needs to make take time.
Johnson has also been wholly transparent about his coaching style, and Williams knows what’s expected. If the two can meet in the middle—if Williams can channel his creativity inside Johnson’s framework—the partnership can work.
If not, well, we all know how that story goes.
‘Difference in Mindset’ Emerging Between Ben Johnson & Caleb Williams