Caleb Williams Says It's 'A Hell of a Lot More Fun' in Year 2 Under Ben Johnson
The Bears quarterback sounds like a different player this offseason, and the comfort he has found in Ben Johnson's system is exactly what Chicago hoped for.
A year ago, Caleb Williams felt like he was treading water. This offseason, the Chicago Bears quarterback sounds like he finally has his feet under him. Williams has made clear that his second go-round in Ben Johnson's offense is a far smoother experience than his first, and the early returns out of the Bears' offseason program suggest the relationship between the second-year head coach and the young passer is the reason Chicago's future looks as bright as it has in years.
Why is Year 2 such a different experience for Caleb Williams?
The contrast in Williams' own words is striking. He has described last season as a battle for survival, saying he felt like he was drowning and trying to stay alive while waiting for a boat to come around as he learned an unfamiliar system. This time around, the picture is different. Williams said the goal now is to start where the team finished last season, pointing to the play-calls, the words, the verbiage and finally speaking the same language as his coaching staff. He summed up the change bluntly, calling it a hell of a lot more fun in Year 2. That comfort matters for a quarterback whose first season under Johnson still produced a strong year despite the learning curve.
How close are Williams and Ben Johnson working this offseason?
The bond between Williams and Ben Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator who took over as Chicago's head coach, has only grown tighter. The two have been meeting every day during the offseason program, with Williams describing how he heads up to Johnson's office to hang out, laugh and joke. Johnson, for his part, has praised the way his quarterback is built, saying Williams is wired the right way and wants to be great, which is exactly the kind of player a coach can push hard. That daily contact is the foundation Chicago is banking on as it tries to turn a promising young roster into a consistent contender.
What does Ben Johnson still want to see improve in 2026?
Johnson has not been shy about where the offense can still grow. He has pointed to specific areas for Williams to clean up and made clear he expects a higher completion percentage from his quarterback this season. At the same time, Johnson has leaned into what makes Williams special, calling his ability a magical talent and describing him as the kind of player who can be the ultimate eraser when a play breaks down. The system around him is already humming. Under Johnson, the Bears built an attacking, under-center identity, leaning heavily on play-action, and that approach helped Chicago put up its most efficient scoring numbers in two decades. With a receiver room headlined by Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore and a coach who trusts his quarterback, the Bears believe the leap is coming.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Caleb Williams is loving Year 2 under Ben Johnson
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