In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Seth Wickersham’s upcoming book American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback has exposed a damning portrait of dysfunction within the Chicago Bears organization during Caleb Williams’ rookie season. At the center of the storm is former head coach Matt Eberflus, whose tenure now appears even more disastrous in hindsight.
Caleb Williams was put in a no-win situation all season
The most damning detail in the article is what happened after he was drafted. Williams revealed that he was left to watch films alone during the season, with no guidance from the coaching staff. “No one tells me what to watch,” he told his father. “I just turn it on.”
This revelation sparked outrage from former players and analysts alike. Former Bears quarterback Chase Daniel called the situation “insane,” noting that even rookie QBs should be taught how to break down film and prepare for opponents. The lack of structure and mentorship points to a catastrophic failure in leadership that falls squarely on Matt Eberflus and his staff.
Wickersham's article is a poor reflection on Ryan Poles and the Bears
For those who read the article, it was a painful reminder of Eberflus' mishandling of a generational talent like Williams, which may be the most unforgivable offense, despite him committing mistakes against the Washington Commanders that started a ten-game losing streak and botched clock management against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving that was so egregious, he was fired the next day.
It is a poor reflection on general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears organization. As a general manager, Poles was responsible for hiring Eberflus. He is responsible for the vision and execution of the team’s long-term strategy. That includes hiring the right coaching staff, building a support system for young players, and ensuring that the organization is aligned from top to bottom.
Williams knew that new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was not a good fit for him even before he was drafted. "Do I want to go there? I don't think I can do it with [former Bears offensive coordinator Shane] Waldron." His concerns were validated as Waldron was fired less than a year following a pathetic 19-3 loss to the New England Patriots on November 12, 2024. Why did Williams know he was bound to fail under Waldron without even playing a single game, and yet the Bears still hired him?
Eberflus oversaw the development plan, or lack thereof, for Williams. He allowed a culture to persist in which Williams was left on his own and had to fend for himself. These are not minor oversights. They are fundamental failures of leadership. There were plenty of warning signs that Eberflus himself did not take accountability seriously in his first two years as a head coach. If the Bears' ownership stood in the way of either Poles or team president Kevin Warren from removing Eberflus much sooner, shame on them for ruining Williams' rookie season.
Both Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams embrace challenges
Poles deserves credit for Williams to change his mind about the organization after meeting with him at Halas Hall. "I can do it for this team," Caleb told his dad. "I'm going to go to the Bears." He could have pulled an Eli Manning or John Elway and forced his way out of Chicago. He made all 17 starts despite being sacked almost 70 times last season. His commitment to becoming the greatest was evident from his early age. Despite less than an ideal situation, he has embraced the city and the challenges posed by the Bears organization.
At least the nose dive the Bears endured led them to the hiring of Ben Johnson, who was the hottest head coaching candidate in quite some time. Like Williams, he is ready to embrace the challenges head-on. The way he carries himself and talks raises the hopes of the frustrated fans. They want to see their franchise quarterback succeed and throw for 4,000 yards easily every single year. With Johnson, those dreams can become a reality as soon as this season.