It had been speculated that of all the potential NFL head-coaching jobs that could become available, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was eyeing the Chicago Bears.
So when Bears quarterback Caleb Williams received a text on Friday from a number claiming to be Johnson, stating that he had accepted the team’s head-coaching job and he wanted Williams to be the first to know, the star rookie likely believed the rumors were true.
Williams received a text at 7:54 p.m. stating, “Hey Caleb, this is Ben Johnson. Just wanted to reach out ahead of time before it gets released to the media, I will be taking the HC job. Very excited to work with you in the future. Great things.”
The 23-year-old QB seemed hesitant at first, but after receiving another text affirming it was actually Johnson, Williams appeared to be over-the-moon that Chicago hired the offensive guru.
“I’m def excited for the future! Let’s get this [expletive] going and turn it around n do what hasn’t been done in years! In the meantime!! [expletive] go kill! We’ll talk soon!” he responded.
But to Williams’ disappointment, he found out he had been duped as the fan behind the prank FaceTimed him and revealed it wasn’t the real Johnson he had been communicating with.
“Hey, you’re a great QB but I’m so glad you’re going to get a new head coach,” the fan said. “I don’t know if it’s Ben Johnson, but I’m sorry about this.”
Williams was a good sport, laughing it off in the moment. His initial reaction to the prank texts may be an indicator of who he hopes gets the Bears hire as their next head coach.
Though he had a solid rookie season, passing for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions while adding 489 yards on the ground, it was apparent that Williams was held back by limited play-calling and the colossal disappointment of former head coach Matt Eberflus, former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, and interim HC/OC Thomas Brown, who all failed Williams in helping him develop.
The Bears are scheduled to interview both Johnson and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for the vacant HC position on Saturday.
Chicago has already completed interviews with former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
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