Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears finished the 2024 season on a high note. They beat the Green Bay Packers for the first time in Lambeau Field since 2015. Unfortunately, that was about the only thing that went right this year.
Early on, the Chicago Bears were viewed as the best situation a first-round quarterback has entered into in quite some time -- maybe ever. After starting the season 4-2, things drastically changed. All it took was one Hail Mary to ruin everything. The Bears made franchise history by firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron before the season ended. Then a few weeks later they made franchise history again when they fired head coach Matt Eberflus before the end of the season.
Despite all of the dysfunction, Caleb Williams had a solid season. He ended up having the most combined yards for a quarterback in Bears' history. Williams combined for over 4,000 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. His touchdown to interception ratio is greater than 3:1. He had his ups and downs but with better coaching I expect him to show more growth in 2025. Remember, development isn't linear. Not everyone grows at the same rate.
Will top coaching candidates shy away from the Chicago Bears?
Well, apparently media pundits no longer think the Chicago Bears situation is as good as it was heading into the season. A recent Yahoo Sports article talked about which of the current head coach openings is the best situation for the top coaching candidates this cycle. Currently, there are six openings, and instead of ranking the situations, Frank Schwab simply states that none of the situations are very good.
While talking about the Chicago Bears, he brings up some valid points. The Bears have not won a Super Bowl in nearly 40 years. They haven't been to a Super Bowl in nearly 20 years. They haven't even won a playoff game in 14 years.
The article goes on to talk about the structure and hierarchy of the team, mentioning Kevin Warren trying to add his power, while also overseeing Ryan Poles who is rumored to have no more than two years on his contract left -- maybe only one. When asked about the importance of alignment with the head coach and general manager, Bears' chairman George McCaskey said he doesn't think that matters.
Look, I understand that the organization has been awful for years, but they are slowly starting to change how things are done. My only fear is the McCaskeys. They have this thought process that the organization is historically wonderful, but in reality, they are living in the past too much. They need to embrace the future and Kevin Warren appears to be helping move them in that direction. Ryan Poles seems to be the new villain but really hasn't been as bad as most fans seem to think. The roster is also better than they performed this year outside of the offensive line.
The Chicago Bears might not have the best situation in the NFL, but it isn't as bad as some of these media members or even fans make it seem. With a large amount of salary cap, multiple picks within the first two rounds, and a roster full of younger talent in Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, Jaylon Johnson, Cole Kmet, Gervon Dexter, and even DJ Moore, there is plenty to be excited about. If looking at the other vacancies, outside of the Tom Brady factor in Vegas, Chicago easily tops the six other openings.
I am obviously biased, but thinking top coaching candidates would not want to come to Chicago (unless George McCaskey somehow says something to drive them away) seems strange.