Former Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Urges Caleb Williams to Mature, Demands Leadership Growth and Improved Attitude from Rising Bears Quarterback

Caleb Williams has been one of the most talked-about prospects in recent memory, and after being selected No. 1 overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2025 NFL Draft, the spotlight has only intensified. Heralded as a generational talent with elite arm strength, mobility, and creative instincts, the expectations for Williams are sky-high. But while scouts have praised his physical tools and on-field prowess, there are growing voices raising concerns about the mental and emotional side of his game—including a notable one from within the NFC North.

A former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, who worked extensively with NFL quarterbacks and has insight into what it takes to lead a franchise, recently offered a pointed critique of Williams. Speaking in a radio interview earlier this week, the longtime coach didn’t mince words: “The talent is undeniable, but someone needs to sit Caleb down and tell him the NFL isn’t about flash—it’s about accountability, maturity, and leadership.”

The former Lions coach, whose identity was withheld due to contractual obligations with a current media outlet, elaborated on what he believes could hinder Williams’ rise if left unchecked. “He’s walking into one of the most intense markets in football. Chicago isn’t going to give him three years of grace. You can have all the commercials, NIL money, and highlight-reel throws you want—but if you don’t carry yourself like the face of a franchise, it’ll all unravel quickly.”

This critique comes amid a wave of attention on Williams’ off-field persona. He’s known for being emotionally expressive and unapologetically himself—traits that have won him fans but also raised eyebrows. There have been viral clips of Williams crying in his mother’s arms after a USC loss, defending his individuality with colorful fashion choices, and cryptic social media posts that hint at his dissatisfaction with public criticism.

Some fans have lauded his authenticity in an era of media training and corporate-speak. But others, like the ex-Lions OC, see these behaviors as signs of immaturity. “There’s a fine line between being authentic and being uncoachable,” he said. “A franchise quarterback doesn’t have to be a robot, but he does have to be steady. When things go wrong—and they will go wrong—how he responds will define him.”

Williams has tried to take control of the narrative. In his first press conference with the Bears, he struck a tone of optimism and focus. “I know the expectations,” he said. “But nobody puts more pressure on me than I put on myself. I’m here to work, to win, and to lead.”

Still, there are lingering doubts. One NFC scout told The Athletic, “He’s been coddled his whole career. Five-star recruit. Heisman winner. But the NFL hits back. He’ll take hits physically and mentally. Let’s see how he handles adversity.”

That’s where the former Lions coach sees the biggest test for Williams—not on Sundays, but Mondays through Saturdays. “He needs to grow up fast,” he said. “The moment you’re drafted first overall, the excuses end. You are the CEO of the offense. That means studying film when no one’s watching, taking the blame even when it’s not your fault, and winning over the locker room.”

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time questions about Williams’ leadership have surfaced. During his final season at USC, whispers about locker room chemistry, body language on the sidelines, and his handling of media scrutiny began to bubble. Some teammates reportedly felt disconnected from their star quarterback, though others have publicly defended him as a passionate and committed competitor.

None of that will be swept under the rug now that Williams is in the NFL. Everything, from how he speaks to how he carries himself in losses, will be dissected. And in a blue-collar sports city like Chicago, which hasn’t seen sustained quarterback success since the days of Sid Luckman, patience will wear thin if his off-field demeanor doesn’t match the franchise’s grit-first identity.

The Bears, for their part, are putting their trust in Williams and have given him a strong foundation. With a rebuilt offensive line, new weapons like wide receiver Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, and a defensive-minded head coach in Matt Eberflus, the infrastructure is in place for success. General Manager Ryan Poles said after the draft, “We believe in Caleb not just as a player but as a person. He has what it takes. We’ll support him and hold him to high standards.”

That support will be crucial as Williams transitions from college phenom to NFL quarterback. Even Patrick Mahomes, perhaps the most gifted QB of his generation, had to sit and learn before becoming a superstar. Joe Burrow, known for his icy poise, had to endure a brutal rookie season before lifting Cincinnati into relevance. There’s no shortcut to becoming a true NFL leader.

Williams seems to know that on some level. In a recent interview with NFL Network, he acknowledged the learning curve ahead. “I’ve got to earn the respect of my teammates. That starts with showing up every day, doing the work, and not asking for special treatment.”

That last phrase—“not asking for special treatment”—could be seen as an indirect rebuttal to critics. He’s heard the talk, the skepticism, the questions about his attitude. Whether he internalizes it as motivation or bristles at it as unfair criticism may determine his future.

The former Lions offensive coordinator, for his part, remains hopeful but firm. “I’m not saying he can’t do it. I’m saying he has to prove he can. Talent gets you drafted. Grit, humility, and leadership keep you in the league.”

He went on to offer some advice directly to Williams: “Watch film with the O-line. Show up early to receiver workouts. Sit with the defense during lunch. Lead with your actions, not your Instagram.”

That might be easier said than done. The modern NFL isn’t the same league that once asked quarterbacks to simply be stoic game managers. Today’s QBs are part-brand, part-athlete, part-leader. But while flash and flair are tolerated, even celebrated, what endures is how you play—and how you respond to the inevitable setbacks.

Chicago fans have been burned before. From Mitch Trubisky to Jay Cutler, the city has seen enough potential flameouts to fill a documentary series. Williams enters the fray with more hype than any of them—but also more scrutiny. Every misstep will be amplified. Every sideline gesture or press conference quote will be analyzed for signs of leadership, or lack thereof.

If the former Lions OC is right, Williams has a golden opportunity—not just to succeed, but to grow. “He’s still young,” the coach said. “It’s not too late. But someone in that building better challenge him—not kiss his feet. If they do, and if he listens, he could be special.”

The path is there. The tools are there. What remains to be seen is whether Caleb Williams is ready to evolve from social media sensation and collegiate icon into the kind of battle-tested, resilient, mentally tough quarterback that wins in the NFL. Chicago is hungry. The NFC North is brutal. And the clock is already ticking.

As the former Lions coordinator so bluntly put it, “Nobody cares about your résumé once the season starts. All they care about is if you win. And if you lead.”

Williams has everything to gain—and just as much to lose. The league is watching. And so is the former play-caller from Detroit, who knows a thing or two about what it takes to make it.