The Chicago Bears are biding their time after the surprise departure of their offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle. The coaching carousel has been well underway, but with all current head coaching vacancies filled, the attention now turns to the coaching support staff. The Chicago Bears have their sights set on Caleb Williams' development, and the next offensive coordinator will play a significant role in it.
If any former NFL player can understand the inner workings of the dynamics between quarterback and coordinator, former Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner can. Famously paired with Mike Martz, Warner led the infamous "Greatest Show on Turf", where they found massive success and a place in the story of football forever. Warner shared his thoughts on whether Johnson or the offensive coordinator would have a greater impact on Williams during his appearance on 104.3 The Score.
“I don’t really know in this situation which coach it was. I guess in my mind, I kind of feel like it was Ben, but I don’t know if that’s the answer to that question.”
Caleb Williams' development should be fine as long as Ben Johnson is there
Short of being in the locker room and on the practice field, we can't be completely certain who had the most impact on Williams this year. Logic says that Ben Johnson would be the main voice in the room. The head coach assumes all play-calling duties and has displayed a generational offensive mind.
Coach Johnson coached every position on the offensive side of the ball and was in his first season as a head coach. To Ben Johnson and the fans, this was about establishing a framework for the Johnson era in Chicago.
Regardless of who whispered in Williams' ear, the organization remains focused on developing this young team. The next selection for OC in Chicago must understand that when they enter the job, as Declan Doyle did. The Bears will do well to make this decision carefully, as it could be a critical step in Chicago's hopes of making it back to January football.
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If the defining voice was indeed Ben Johnson, then this hire is about selecting the right person to help ensure the foundation is maintained. If that remains true, then this is more of a support decision than a defining one.