Caleb Williams’ hospital ball is further evidence that the Bears should have signed Ben Johnson yesterday

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams has tons of potential – the entire team knows it – but head coach Matt Eberflus isn’t getting the most out of the USC product. Williams was drafted No. 1 in the 2024 NFL Draft to pave the way back to his importance for Chicago. It’s only his first season, but it seems to be similar at Williams, with Eberflus at the helm.

Some of Williams’ teammates reportedly wanted him benched a few weeks ago. The Bears fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy midway through the season. Williams stood up and then apologized to his teammates. I would argue that the coaching staff owes Williams some of that, but it’s nice to see the leadership, I guess.

Chicago’s season is essentially over unless there is a surprise run late in the season. Against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, they had the chance to play spoilsport in Motown. A bad throw from Williams certainly didn’t help, as it injured his top wide receiver, DJ Moore.

Williams believes he can make any throw, and no one told him that wasn’t the case. Trying to put Moore ahead in double coverage, he put his best foot forward in an impossible situation. An offensive mind like Johnson would have helped Williams correct some of his coachable mistakes. Eberflus didn’t do it, and Luke Getsy certainly failed miserably.

Meanwhile, Johnson turned down the Washington Commanders just last offseason. He’s expected to be a top coaching candidate again after the Lions’ season ends – hopefully for him after a Lombardi Trophy – which would give Johnson the closure he needs to leave Detroit.

There is no guarantee that Johnson has the personality and leadership skills to be anything more than an elite coordinator. This is still very open. However, we know that Eberflus had problems in Chicago. For some reason, the Bears remain hesitant to fire him.

If Johnson is available, I expect this indecision to resolve itself very quickly.