Chicago Bears head coach confirms suspicion surrounding Caleb Williams' future as starting quarterback

The Chicago Bears kick off rookie minicamp this weekend and it also officially marks the beginning of the Caleb Williams era.

Many assumed Williams would be the Bears' starting quarterback as soon as he was drafted with the first overall pick, but that's not always the case. Or, teams aren't willing to go ahead and hand over the reins, at least.

That's not the case with Matt Eberflus and co., however, as the Bears head coach told reporters that Williams is in fact the starter. Starting, now.

"No conversation. He's the starter," said Eberflus.

Bears are leaning on others to help outline Williams' development

Sure, Williams is the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft class, but being the first pick doesn't equate to immediate, nor guaranteed, success. That's why the Bears are being very diligent when it comes to outlining the plan for Williams' development. Fortunately, they have a guy in offensive passing game coordinator, Thomas Brown, that was on the Carolina Panthers staff that had to come up with a plan for Bryce Young in 2023

"We're fortunate that Thomas went through it last year," said Eberflus. "He was at Carolina, obviously, and we got to glean some information from him. We certainly talked to guys throughout the league that have had this early pick at quarterback and got a lot of good information."

In all, Eberflus sees defines his opportunity with Williams and the new-look offense as a big one. Especially considering where the roster was when he took over back in 2022. Outside former starting quarterback Justin Fields, of course.

"It's refreshing to be able to do that. I know the whole building's excited about working together, not only with Caleb, but with everybody. And it's certainly nice to have that fresh start."

Simple expectations are the expectations from Williams this weekend

As for what Eberflus and the staff want to see out of the face of the franchise, it's simple.

"Just be where your feet are. Be in that moment, be in the play, execute that play, [and then] turn the page [and] go to the next play," said Eberflus. "That's what the elite guys do and that's what we expect from him."

It's no secret that Williams is entering an excellent environment that is set up for him to succeed. If the coaches can bring him along the right way, then the Bears are bound for an exciting 2024 season.

"I think Shane and the offensive staff have done an outstanding job of that, thus far, by putting that foundation in and making sure that it's likeable, learnable, and it can be executed," said Eberflus. "We're excited about beginning that process...

"...  I think when you have teachers that are good at what they do - they make it likable. You know, how they put it in [and] how they teach it and it's exciting to be able to see that."