In a definitive statement, Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced that Caleb Williams, the team’s No. 1 overall draft pick, will assume the role of starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
Eberflus emphasized, “No conversation. He’s the starter.”
Williams proactively collaborated with his personal quarterback coach, Will Hewlett, to refine his understanding of the Bears’ offensive system ahead of this weekend’s minicamp.
“You always want to get ahead if you can, and so with those things that they gave me, I would take it to my QB trainer and we would use the cadence, we would use the drops, we would use all those things so that’s not something that’s on my mind throughout the process of when I actually got here,” Williams explained.
The decision to appoint Williams as the starting QB comes as no surprise, given the Bears’ commitment to him since the early stages of the draft process. This commitment was underscored by the trade of former quarterback Justin Fields to Pittsburgh in March.
Chicago’s quarterback roster currently includes Tyson Bagent and undrafted rookie Austin Reed alongside Williams.
Williams, renowned for his achievements as the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, is widely regarded as a generational talent, with an impressive college record of 93 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions during his tenure at Oklahoma and Southern California.
The Bears, who have sought a franchise quarterback for decades, are placing their hopes on Williams to fulfill this role.
Regarding his transition to Chicago, Williams expressed a desire for balance and integration into the community, exemplified by his attendance at various local events.
The Bears’ decision reflects their aspirations for playoff contention, with Williams positioned as a pivotal figure in their future success.
Eberflus commended Williams’ demeanor and ability to uplift those around him, highlighting his positive impact within the team.
Williams has utilized resources such as personal QB coach Will Hewlett to familiarize himself with the team’s offensive system, showcasing his dedication to preparation.
The Bears’ rookies, including receiver Rome Odunze, have appreciated the support from the community and are eager to contribute on the field.
Williams emphasized his focus on learning from veterans and coaches, indicating a willingness to assume leadership once fully acclimated to the team’s dynamics and playbook.
With Williams at the helm, the Bears aim to reciprocate the support of their fans by delivering on-field success.
