Caleb Williams is remaining open to the process as the Chicago Bears search for their next head coach, but he has openly expressed his admiration for one of the leading candidates: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Williams praised Johnson when asked about his potential candidacy during his end-of-year press conference on January 6, highlighting the rival coach’s skills as an offensive play-caller after seeing his work firsthand twice in 2024.

“I think it’s been really fun to watch,” Williams said, noting the creativity displayed by the Lions’ offense during their Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

“During our game, I’d just sit back, watch, and try to learn something … I was fascinated by how he always had counters and wrinkles throughout the game. He’s obviously done really well, so it would be cool to see how everything works out.”

Ben Johnson May Only Interview With Bears & Patriots

As reported by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Lions have granted the Bears’ request to interview Johnson for their head coach opening and set a window from Thursday afternoon to Saturday during their bye week for the interviews. Breer also mentioned that Johnson “will be selective” and might only consider interviews with the Bears and New England Patriots, who parted ways with Jerod Mayo as head coach on January 6.

From an outside perspective, Johnson appears to be a top candidate for the Bears. As an offensive-minded coach, he has helped develop the Lions’ offense into one of the NFL’s most potent units over the past three years, one that led the league in scoring (564 points) and finished second in total passing yards (4,474) in the 2024 season.

In December, Johnson also had positive words for Williams when asked about the rookie’s first season with the Bears.

“There’s no question about this guy’s talent,” Johnson said. “I remember standing on the sideline last game and hearing the ball whistle by. He’s got a fastball and some creativity to him. He can extend plays and is accurate down the field.”

The Bears, however, are casting a wide net in their head coach search and have requested interviews with over a dozen candidates, including interim head coach Thomas Brown, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, among others.

Caleb Williams Wants Next Bears HC to ‘Challenge’ Him

While Williams has expressed admiration for Johnson, he is trying not to get too focused on the potential hires for the Bears. He stated that he avoids getting overly excited when familiar names or well-established candidates are brought up and doesn’t discuss the candidates with his teammates, as they have no control over the decision.

In a broader sense, Williams has made clear that the most important thing he wants from his next head coach is someone who will challenge him and help him grow into a better NFL quarterback.

“I’d just say challenge me,” Williams explained about his ideal coach. “Whether it’s pulling me aside for talks, or maybe not. Maybe having a list of things to accomplish, starting with me — because that helps the team. Then, help set goals for the team. However it happens, just challenge me and help me improve, and help the team improve as well.”

“I don’t mind being challenged, and I don’t mind speaking openly with the coach or whoever,” he added. “However it happens, I’m good with it.”