Bears QB Caleb Williams shares Ben Johnson's message for him in Year 3

The Chicago Bears were one of the biggest surprises in the NFL last season, and a big reason for that was the combination of first-year head coach Ben Johnson and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Johnson helped lead the Bears from worst to first, with an 11-6 record, an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff win in his first season. But it's Johnson's work with Williams that was most impressive, as the former No.

1 overall pick established himself as one of the NFL's most clutch quarterbacks with a record seven fourth-quarter comebacks. While Williams became a household name, and flashed his impressive potential, there's still plenty of work to be done. But Johnson is the guy who can maximize Williams' potential, and the results from just one season speak volumes.

Johnson coached Williams hard, which he accepted, and it sounds like that's not going to change heading into Year 2 of their partnership. On the first day of the Bears' offseason program, Williams shared the message he received from his head coach, after the divisional round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, about expectations heading into the 2026 season. "I know that's one of the first things we talked about when we first met, I guess two days after the game was, "It's going to be more difficult.

I'm going to push you more," Williams said, via Zack Pearson . "And my answer is: 'Yes, sir, let's do it. '" Johnson pushed Williams hard last season, which had great results, and now he'll turn things up a notch heading into a crucial Year 3 for the young quarterback, who is eligible for a contract extension after the 2026 season.