Their concerns weren't unfounded. Both head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron were fired during the regular season, and even Bears general manager Ryan Poles admitted this offseason that "steps were skipped" in preparing Williams for his rookie season.

Caleb Williams' father did not want his son to be drafted by the Chicago Bears — and made his intentions very clear.

"Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die," Carl Williams, Caleb's father, told Wickersham months prior to the 2024 draft.