‘Back to the Basics’ is the Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s description of Caleb Williams’ offseason plan.

In the world of professional sports, the offseason serves as a critical period for teams and players to recalibrate, refine skills, and set the tone for the upcoming season. For the Chicago Bears, the 2025 offseason holds particular significance, especially with the arrival of head coach Ben Johnson and the development of young quarterback Caleb Williams. Johnson’s approach, encapsulated in his mantra “Back to the Basics,” signifies a return to fundamental football principles tailored to Williams’ strengths and potential.

The Arrival of Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson’s appointment as the Bears’ head coach was met with enthusiasm and high expectations. Having previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Johnson demonstrated a keen ability to develop quarterbacks and orchestrate dynamic offenses. His decision to join the Bears was significantly influenced by his admiration for Caleb Williams’ talent and character. Johnson remarked:

“Standing on the opposite sideline from [Caleb Williams] this year, I gained a tremendous amount of respect for not only the talent level that he possesses but also the type of person he is.” citeturn0search2

This mutual respect laid the foundation for a collaborative relationship aimed at unlocking Williams’ full potential.

Assessing Caleb Williams’ Rookie Season

Caleb Williams entered the NFL as the first overall pick in the 2024 draft, bringing with him high expectations. His rookie season, however, was a blend of promise and challenges. Statistically, Williams ranked 24th in passer rating (87.8) and 17th in passing yards (3,541), with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 20:6. While these numbers indicate potential, they also highlight areas needing improvement.

The previous coaching staff’s approach did not fully harness Williams’ capabilities, leading to inconsistencies on the field. Recognizing this, Johnson’s philosophy centers on building an offense that aligns with Williams’ unique skill set.

Johnson’s Offensive Philosophy: A Tailored Approach

Johnson’s offensive strategy is not a one-size-fits-all model but a dynamic system that adapts to the quarterback’s strengths. He emphasizes:

• Customization: Developing an offense that revolves around Williams, moving away from generic playbooks to a system that accentuates his abilities.
• Challenge and Growth: Pushing Williams beyond his comfort zones to foster growth, ensuring that the offense evolves in tandem with his development.

Johnson elaborated on this approach:

“We want defenses on edge. We don’t want them to know exactly what’s coming—multiplicity, formationally, schematically.” citeturn0search2

This philosophy aims to create an unpredictable and versatile offensive unit, making it challenging for opposing defenses to anticipate plays.

Building Trust and Establishing Fundamentals

A cornerstone of Johnson’s plan is the cultivation of trust between coach and quarterback. Acknowledging that building this trust will take time, Johnson is committed to fostering a relationship rooted in honesty and mutual respect. He views Williams as a “lump of clay” full of potential, eager to mold him into a refined and effective leader on the field.

Central to this development is a return to football fundamentals. Johnson’s “Back to the Basics” approach involves:

• Mastering Core Skills: Re-emphasizing fundamental skills that may have been overlooked, ensuring that Williams has a solid foundation to build upon.
• Structured Progressions: Implementing a system that balances Williams’ natural playmaking abilities with structured offensive strategies, creating a harmonious blend of improvisation and discipline.

Collaborative Development and Future Outlook

The partnership between Johnson and Williams is characterized by a shared commitment to excellence. Williams’ enthusiasm for Johnson’s coaching style is evident, as he anticipates learning from a coach with a diverse background and a history of working with various quarterbacks. He expressed:

“He’s had many different quarterbacks. He’s been around many different types of teams and things like that, so being able to learn from him in those ways and execute crazy things that people like Tom Brady haven’t even seen, that brings excitement.” citeturn0search2

Looking ahead, the Bears’ strategy involves:

• Offensive Innovation: Continuously evolving the offense to keep defenses guessing, incorporating a variety of formations and schemes that leverage Williams’ strengths.
• Player Development: Ensuring that Williams and his teammates receive coaching that emphasizes both individual growth and cohesive team dynamics.

Ben Johnson’s “Back to the Basics” offseason plan represents a strategic and personalized approach to developing Caleb Williams into a top-tier quarterback. By focusing on fundamental skills, building a tailored offensive system, and fostering a strong coach-player relationship, Johnson aims to set the stage for a successful era in Chicago Bears football. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on this dynamic partnership, eager to witness the transformation and growth that lies ahead.