Key Ben Johnson assistant reveals new Caleb Williams coaching approach

If the Chicago Bears are going to take a genuine step forward in 2025, quarterback Caleb Williams must prove why he was the first overall pick in 2024. His organization has spent all offseason ensuring that Williams is in a position to succeed entering 2025.

It all started with the coaching staff. Chicago made a clear statement that they wanted offensive improvement when they hired Ben Johnson as their next head coach. He stocked his staff with both veteran and new coaches, looking for a blend of experience and creative ideas. When it comes to quarterbacks coach, Johnson brought JT Barrett over with him from the Detroit Lions.

An established college player in his own right, Barrett will now have a hands-on approach in helping Williams find his next gear. While changing coaching staffs, again, may be difficult at first, Barrett is confident that Williams will only get stronger once he is fully acclimated in the system, via Dan Wiederer and Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune.

“You work very closely with him on his day-by-day approach,” Barrett said. “There will be certain times where he may feel like he’s drinking from a fire hydrant as far as the information coming at him. But day by day, he has to be locked in on what the focus area is for today and stay honed in on that. That’s all going to be a process.”

Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams ready for sophomore leap

During his rookie season, Williams completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. He proved to be a stronger passer than Justin Fields was in Chicago and did a solid job limiting turnovers. However, Williams was completely overshadowed by Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels.

Oftentimes, Williams would simply hold onto the ball too long, looking to make a play downfield. But when that play never developed, he gave enough time for pass rushers to get into the backfield. Ultimately, the quarterback was sacked a league-high 68 times as a rookie.

It wasn’t all his fault, as the offensive line in front of him was more than below par. The Bears went out and fixed the issue, trading for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney while signing center Drew Dalman. Chicago wasted little time in getting Williams a stouter blocking unit up front.

On top of all the roster additions, he’ll be working with a coach considered to have one of the best offensive minds in the NFL. And while that will all be a boon, it’ll also bring some added pressure. With all the puzzle pieces for success on the table, Williams must find a way to put them together and prove he is everything the Bears expected him to be.

Ben Johnson’s work with Jared Goff 

Quarterback Jared Goff arrived to the Lions in 2021. That season, Johnson was the team’s passing game coordinator. Goff struggled a bit in his debut, going 3-10-1 as a starter while throwing for 3,245 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

A year later though, Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator. And in turn, success for Goff followed. The quarterback went 9-8, throwing for 4,438 yards, 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He was voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2018.

But the best was still yet to come for the pairing. During the 2024 season, Goff led the Lions to a 15-2 record while throwing for 4,629 yards, 37 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He ranked second in passing yardage and fourth in passing touchdowns.

Fans shouldn’t expect a meteoric rise in year one. However, it’s an example of what Johnson provides to quarterbacks. Goff came to the Lions as a former No. 1 pick trying to find his footing. While Williams has a bit more leash, he still has plenty of expectations on his shoulders. Goff showed continued growth during his partnership with Johnson. Now working with Williams, Johnson is looking for the exact same thing.