Bears Hope Williams builds on new coaching as roster questions linger

Caleb Williams has begun the offseason that followed a tumultuous rookie year with renewed confidence and a clearer plan from a revamped Chicago Bears coaching staff, but significant questions remain about the roster around him as the team opens 2025. Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, has publicly embraced a return to the swagger that marked his college career and is being pushed by new head coach Ben Johnson to sharpen both technique and leadership at Halas Hall.

Williams acknowledged the difficulties of his debut season, calling it "a good reset" and conceding he had to relearn some habits after a year in which he threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 62.5 percent of his passes, according to league reports. Those reports also said he was sacked 68 times, a statistic that underscored the offensive line problems that contributed to his inconsistent play. Williams told ESPN he is "not going to apologize" for being himself, even pointing to small symbols of self-expression such as painting his fingernails as signs of regained comfort.

Johnson, who took over as head coach this offseason, said he has been frank with Williams about body...