Bears coach Matt Eberflus makes strong statement about Caleb Williams

Apr 26, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears number one draft choice Caleb Williams at a press conference at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears did not draft Caleb Williams with the first overall pick to have him sit on the bench next season, and head coach Matt Eberflus has no problem being honest about that.

Eberflus was asked during his press conference on Friday if he has had a conversation with Williams about the former USC star entering the 2024 season as Chicago’s starter. The coach said there is no need for that talk because Williams already has the job.

“No conversation. He’s the starter,” Eberflus said.

Matt Eberflus says Caleb Williams is already QB1.

"No conversation. He's the starter."

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) May 10, 2024

Eberflus was stating the obvious, but coaches are often unwilling to do that — especially in May. He could have just as easily said every player on the roster has to earn their spot or thrown around a bunch of other cliches, but Eberflus isn’t bothering with that.

Tyson Bagent is currently the No. 2 quarterback on Chicago’s depth chart. Eberflus knows that if he said there would be an open competition between Bagent and Williams, no one would believe it anyway.

The Bears this offseason acquired Keenan Allen in a trade, drafted former Washington star receiver Rome Odunze ninth overall, and signed free-agent running back D’Andre Swift. They have put plenty of pieces around Williams to help him succeed, and veteran wide receiver DJ Moore said recently that he has already noticed one big difference while working out with Williams.