As the Chicago Bears continue to rebuild and search for their next franchise quarterback, cornerback Jaylon Johnson has voiced an opinion that is stirring debate: if the Bears secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and select Caleb Williams, the standout quarterback from USC, he should have a say in the team’s coaching search. The notion of involving a rookie quarterback in such a high-stakes decision is unconventional, but it raises important questions about the future of the franchise and the critical relationship between a young QB and the coaching staff.
Why Does Jaylon Johnson Think Caleb Williams Should Have Input?
Johnson, who has been a key figure in the Bears’ defense since 2020, explained his belief that a potential future star quarterback like Williams should be involved in the hiring of the coaching staff. While many might view a coaching search as a decision for ownership and front office personnel, Johnson argues that the franchise quarterback — the centerpiece of the team’s offense — should have a say in the process, especially when it comes to hiring the right coach to develop him.
“Let’s be honest, the quarterback is the face of the franchise,” Johnson said in a recent interview. “If you’re bringing in a guy like Caleb Williams, who’s going to be the future of the Bears, you want to make sure that the coaching staff is someone who can get the best out of him. It’s crucial.”
The Importance of Fit for Caleb Williams
The Bears’ history with quarterbacks has been one of inconsistency and missed opportunities. From Mitchell Trubisky to Justin Fields*, the team has struggled to find long-term stability at the most important position on the field. Johnson’s comments reflect the weight of the decision that lies ahead. If the Bears do land the No. 1 pick and draft Williams — a highly talented and touted prospect who is drawing comparisons to some of the NFL’s most elite quarterbacks — the organization cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Williams is often described as a once-in-a-generation talent. His ability to make every throw and his poise in the pocket have made him the consensus top quarterback prospect in the 2025 draft class. However, even the most gifted quarterbacks need the right coaching environment to flourish. The decision of who will be the Bears’ next head coach could significantly impact Williams’ growth and development in the NFL.
“Quarterback development is everything,” Johnson continued. “A young QB’s success isn’t just about their talent — it’s about the system, the coaching, and the environment they’re placed in. If we want Caleb to succeed, we need to get that coaching hire right.”
The Modern Trend of Quarterback-Centric Decisions
Johnson’s perspective aligns with a growing trend in the NFL where the success of a team’s quarterback directly influences the direction of the franchise. In recent years, we’ve seen how quarterbacks can shape coaching decisions, from the Kansas City Chiefs success with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, to the Buffalo Bills thriving with Josh Allen and Sean McDermott. In both cases, the quarterbacks and coaches formed an important, symbiotic relationship that allowed both the players and teams to reach elite levels.
For a team like the Bears, who are in the midst of an identity crisis at quarterback, aligning a future QB with the right coach is paramount. Williams, if drafted, would be expected to become the face of the franchise, and his success would be directly tied to the Bears’ long-term viability as a contender.
“If you’re going to draft a guy like Caleb, you’ve got to set him up to succeed,” Johnson said. “The wrong coach can hold back a QB’s development, and we’ve seen that happen in Chicago before.”
The Bears’ Quarterback Situation
The Bears have been on a quarterback carousel for years, with numerous failed experiments. Mitchell Trubisky, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft, never developed into the franchise quarterback the team hoped for. Then came Justin Fields, who showed flashes of brilliance but has yet to demonstrate consistent growth under head coach *Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
Despite Fields’ potential, the Bears have not committed to him as their long-term solution, and questions about his development continue to loom. In many ways, Fields’ performance in 2024 will determine whether the Bears look elsewhere for their future QB or decide to double down on Fields. But if the Bears finish with the No. 1 overall pick and opt to draft Williams, it would be a statement that they’re ready to reset their quarterback situation once again — this time with a quarterback that many scouts believe could be a future MVP.
For Johnson, the reality is that the coaching staff will play a pivotal role in how well Williams adapts to the NFL and whether he can reach his full potential. Having the young QB involved in the coaching search might seem unconventional, but it’s an indication of how much the Bears’ success will depend on making the right coaching hire.
The Role of Ownership and the Front Office
While Johnson’s comments have sparked discussion, many will argue that a rookie quarterback should not have influence over such a critical organizational decision. The Bears’ ownership and front office should ultimately have the final say on hiring a head coach, with the long-term vision for the entire team in mind.
That being said, involving Williams — or any quarterback picked No. 1 overall — in the process isn’t entirely out of the question. The modern NFL is increasingly player-centric, and as we’ve seen with recent coaching hires, there is a growing recognition that a quarterback’s preferences and needs can’t be ignored. The last thing the Bears want is to draft a generational quarterback only to place him in a system that doesn’t maximize his abilities.
Conclusion
Jaylon Johnson’s suggestion that Caleb Williams should have input in the Bears’ coaching search highlights an important reality in today’s NFL: the relationship between a young quarterback and his coaching staff is critical to his success. While unconventional, Johnson’s perspective underscores the importance of getting the quarterback-coach dynamic right — especially when the future of the franchise is at stake.
As the Bears move toward what could be a defining moment in their rebuilding process, they must ensure that every decision — from the draft to the coaching hire — is made with the development of their future star quarterback in mind. Whether or not Caleb Williams has an official voice in the process, one thing is clear: getting the right coach could be the difference between a bright future and more years of quarterback uncertainty.
