Following the Chicago Bears’ dismal performance in a 6-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, the franchise faces mounting pressure to prioritize Caleb Williams’ development as they search for their next head coach. The loss, which extended Chicago’s losing streak to 10 games, highlighted the struggles of the No. 1 overall pick to lead consistent scoring drives despite occasional flashes of brilliance.
Bears All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson shared his thoughts on the team’s future during a Friday interview on Spiegs and Holmes on 670 The Score. Johnson believes Williams should play a role in the decision-making process for the next head coach, emphasizing the importance of aligning the team’s leadership with the young quarterback’s development needs.
“I do think that Caleb should have some kind of input as far as who he likes, what he likes about them, and ultimately the decision-makers have got to make their decisions,” Johnson said. “But Caleb’s input matters because he’s the guy we’re building around.”
The Need for Stability
Johnson, a vocal leader on the team, pointed to a glaring issue that has plagued the Bears for years: the lack of stability for their quarterbacks. From Mitch Trubisky to Justin Fields and now Williams, Chicago’s signal-callers have faced constant upheaval with frequent coaching and system changes.
“Caleb is going to need some stability,” Johnson emphasized. “Throughout my career, quarterbacks haven’t had stability here in Chicago. I was here when Justin [Fields] got drafted, and I saw everything he went through with different head coaches, different offensive coordinators almost every year. That’s not something that is ideal.”
He continued, “If you don’t have somebody who’s going to be here for a long time, someone Caleb can develop with, grow with, and learn a system from, it’s not going to be good for this team or for him.”
A Critical Moment for the Bears
The Bears’ fan base has grown increasingly restless as the team continues to falter. Thursday night’s loss brought boos and chants of “Sell the team!” echoing through Soldier Field, underscoring the deep frustration among fans.
Williams, who has already endured the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron this season, faces mounting pressure to deliver. However, Johnson believes the right coaching hire could unlock the full potential of a player widely regarded as a generational talent.
“Whoever they hire has to understand this is about Caleb,” Johnson said. “It’s about building a system around him and giving him the tools to succeed. The next coach isn’t just coaching the Bears; they’re shaping the future of this franchise.”
The Bears’ coaching search will undoubtedly be one of the most critical decisions in recent franchise history. With Caleb Williams at the center of their plans, the team’s future success—or failure—may rest on finding the right leader to guide him.
Jaylon Johnson Urges Bears to Involve Caleb Williams in Coaching Search as Franchise Faces Pivotal Moment
The Chicago Bears’ season reached another low point on Thursday night after a 6-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks extended their losing streak to 10 games. The discontent at Soldier Field was palpable, with boos echoing through the stadium and fans chanting “Sell the team!” amidst frustration with the team’s performance. Amid this turmoil, one player has emerged as the key to the Bears’ future: rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Williams has struggled to consistently lead the offense, a challenge compounded by the franchise’s instability and lack of offensive direction. Bears All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson believes the solution lies in hiring a head coach who can build around Williams—and he thinks the young quarterback should have a voice in the decision.
Johnson Advocates for Caleb’s Input
Speaking on Friday’s edition of Spiegs and Holmes on 670 The Score, Johnson emphasized the importance of Williams’ role in shaping the Bears’ future.
“I do think that Caleb should have some kind of input as far as who he likes and what he thinks about the candidates,” Johnson said. “Ultimately, the decision-makers will do what they need to do, but Caleb’s perspective is crucial. He’s the centerpiece of this team moving forward.”
Johnson also highlighted the need for stability, something the Bears have lacked for years when it comes to their quarterbacks. “Caleb is going to need stability,” he said. “I’ve been here through the revolving door of coaches and coordinators. I saw it with Justin [Fields], and now it’s happening with Caleb. If you don’t have someone who’s here for the long term to develop and grow with your quarterback, you’re setting yourself up for failure.”
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A History of Instability
The Bears’ struggles with quarterback development have been well-documented. From Mitch Trubisky to Justin Fields and now Caleb Williams, each has faced constant changes in leadership and offensive schemes. This season alone, Williams has had to navigate the midseason firings of head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, adding to the instability that has hindered his rookie campaign.
Johnson acknowledged that the team’s leadership void has placed an unfair burden on Williams, who was drafted as a potential franchise savior. “It’s tough to expect Caleb to flourish in an environment where there’s no consistency,” Johnson said. “That’s why this coaching hire is so critical.”
Potential Coaching Candidates
Johnson floated several names as potential head coaching candidates who could bring stability and leadership to the Bears. Among them were:
- Mike Vrabel, former Tennessee Titans head coach, respected for his ability to create a disciplined and competitive culture.
- Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, celebrated for his innovative offensive schemes and success with quarterback Jared Goff.
- Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator, who gained acclaim for his work with Joe Burrow at LSU and his creative approach to play-calling.
- Kliff Kingsbury, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator, known for his ability to connect with young quarterbacks and his offensive acumen.
- Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, praised for his leadership and ability to instill a winning mindset.
“These are the types of coaches who can come in and provide the stability we need,” Johnson said. “It’s about building a system that allows Caleb to thrive, not just next year but for years to come.”
A Critical Juncture for the Bears
The Bears’ 10-game losing streak has not only placed immense pressure on the organization but also highlighted the urgency of getting the next head coaching hire right. With the team sitting near the bottom of the league, the focus has shifted to how the Bears can maximize Williams’ potential.
“Whoever they hire, it has to be someone who understands this is about more than just X’s and O’s,” Johnson said. “It’s about creating a culture, building around Caleb, and giving him the tools to succeed. This isn’t just about the Bears right now; it’s about the future of this franchise.”
Looking Ahead
The Bears face a daunting task as they prepare for the offseason, with their coaching search likely to shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come. Williams, despite his struggles, remains a beacon of hope for the team. His development will be the ultimate litmus test for whoever takes the helm in Chicago.
As Johnson put it, “This decision isn’t just about turning the team around next season. It’s about creating a foundation for sustained success. Caleb is the key, and the next coach has to be someone who can unlock his full potential.”
With a rematch against the Green Bay Packers looming and fans growing restless, the Bears are at a crossroads. The right head coach could not only salvage their future but also bring long-awaited stability to a franchise in desperate need of direction.
