UPDATE: Caleb Williams lays out what he ‘selfishly’ wants in new Bears head coach after Ben Johnson prank
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has outlined his hopes for the team’s next head coach, prioritizing leadership and offensive expertise. Williams, who was drafted first overall in 2024, has already become the face of the franchise and is keen on finding a coach who can elevate both his performance and the team’s potential.
Speaking candidly, Williams admitted he “selfishly” wants someone with a strong offensive mind to guide the Bears toward championship contention. “We need someone who’s a leader of men, who has a clear vision for where we’re going and can build a strong offensive system around us,” he said in a recent interview. His comments come at a critical time, with the Bears actively seeking a replacement for former head coach Matt Eberflus, who was let go midseason after a disappointing 5-12 record.
The situation took a humorous turn recently when Williams fell victim to an elaborate prank involving Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, one of the top candidates linked to the Bears’ vacancy. A group of pranksters, posing as Johnson, sent Williams a text claiming the coach had accepted the Bears’ job. The message was crafted to look official, even using the proper tone and language of such announcements.
Believing the message, Williams responded enthusiastically, sharing his excitement with others before attempting to verify the information. He reached out to Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown for confirmation, but St. Brown didn’t reply quickly. The prank reached its peak during a FaceTime call, where the quarterback realized he had been duped.
Reflecting on the incident during an appearance on the St. Brown Podcast, Williams couldn’t help but laugh. “They really got me,” he admitted. “The text was so professional that I didn’t even question it at first. I was just excited about what it could mean for the team.”
The prank, while lighthearted, underscores the pressure surrounding the Bears’ coaching search. The franchise is at a crossroads, hoping to build around their star quarterback. Ben Johnson remains a legitimate candidate for the position, alongside other notable names. Johnson has gained significant attention for his role in transforming the Lions’ offense into one of the NFL’s most dynamic units.
Williams’ public remarks about his preferences for the new coach highlight his commitment to being an integral part of the rebuilding process. “It’s not just about me; it’s about the whole team and the city of Chicago,” he said. “But I do believe that a great offensive coach can help bring out the best in all of us and lead us to where we need to be.”
As the Bears’ front office deliberates on their next move, the input of their young star quarterback is likely to carry weight. With the franchise aiming to turn the page on years of mediocrity, the hope is that the right hire can pair with Williams’ talent to bring sustained success to Chicago.