Ben Johnson’s Tough Coaching Style
The intensity of new head coach Ben Johnson was a notable highlight during the Chicago Bears’ practice session on Wednesday. This was the first practice open to the media for voluntary minicamp at OTAs this spring, and Johnson’s approach caught the attention of those in attendance.
One of the major talking points from the session was Johnson’s stern correction of veteran tight end Cole Kmet, who had lined up incorrectly. Johnson’s coaching style extended to second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, as well, making it clear that no moment was too small for accountability.
Johnson’s Reaction to Caleb Williams
Ben Johnson got after Caleb Williams after what appeared to be the best throw of the day from the rookie quarterback, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft. According to Adam Hoge of CHGO, Williams had connected with DJ Moore deep down the left sideline. Despite it seeming like a solid throw, Johnson didn’t let it slide.
“It’s interesting that one, what appeared to be his best throw of the entire day, when he hit DJ Moore deep down that left sideline, it was probably more like a deep out… Caleb came back towards where the coaches were. Ben Johnson was like, ‘You can’t do that.’”
Even though the throw was a highlight, Johnson was quick to correct Williams, reinforcing his emphasis on accountability, even in moments that might seem positive.
“Like, so I don’t know what wasn’t right there, but again, it gets back to the accountability thing. I like that. Like, even what appeared to be a great moment, Ben Johnson was still getting after him. So I think the thing of all, this stuff that matters as we’re talking about this on May 21, I just think it’s that setting that standard setting that account level accountability.” Adam Hoge said.
Caleb Williams’ Struggles at OTAs
Overall, Mark Carman shared his thoughts on Williams’ performance, stating that the rookie still has a significant amount of work ahead of him. Carman believed that Williams had a rough day at OTAs and that his development under Johnson isn’t immediately evident.
“Caleb Williams, I was expecting, I was hoping that the Ben Johnson impact would be immediate. The impact is not immediate,” Carman said. “He’s throwing off his back foot. He’s running out of bounds. He’s doing weird sidearm throws to no one. He’s overshooting receivers. He’s doing it while they’re doing live drills.”
Carman noted that Williams’ struggles weren’t limited to specific drills but occurred during general throwing exercises as well.
“It was not a good day for 18. So, look, he’s going to be the Bears quarterback. There’s no doubt about that. But there’s also no doubt that I’m sure that Ben Johnson is seeing that there was a long way to go for him to be successful. And I don’t know, I just thought the Ben Johnson impact would be immediate. It is not immediate.”
Johnson’s Coaching Impact and Williams’ Progress
While Williams was reportedly frustrated last year with the lack of coaching, Carman and Hoge pointed out that Johnson is willing to hold Williams accountable for his mistakes, something the rookie quarterback likely didn’t experience in the past. The hope is that with continued guidance, Williams will improve and start making the necessary adjustments as practices progress.
“Hopefully, Williams will start doing the right things when practices are open to the media later this month and during training camp.”
