Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams, Shane Waldron Relationship Drama? Film Study Report

There are reports that the relationship between Caleb Williams and former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was poor. New reports say the former USC Trojans quarterback had to build his own film study room because Waldron refused to coach him.

Sep 29, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron chat during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images / Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears' first season with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams did not end well, finishing the season with a 5-12 record at the bottom of the NFC North. Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was fired after nine games. New reports are suggesting the relationship between Waldron and Williams was abysmal, causing Williams to form his own film study sessions.

Williams was selected by the Chicago Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. There were high hopes surrounding the former USC Trojans quarterback. Williams is a Heisman winner with a ton of talent. Despite the high hopes, his first season in the NFL was not a winning one.

According to Taylor Doll, the host of the Making Monsters podcast, the relationship was so bad, that Williams had to do an extensive amount of work on his own.

Sep 29, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron chat during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images / Matt Marton-Imagn Images

“He built his own film study room because Shane Waldron was not going over film with him,” Doll said.

Despite 12 losses, and Williams leading the league by being sacked 68 times, the rookie quarterback showed elements that he can grow into a dominant player. Williams finished the season with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. Williams also rushed for 489 yards, the second most on the team. Williams still has to grow as a player, but he showed his potential throughout the season.

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The first step in helping Williams’ growth is building the coaching staff around him. The Chicago Bears hired Ben Johnson to be their next head coach. Johnson was one of the top coaching candidates in the 2025 cycle, and putting an offensive-minded coach with a talented young quarterback is what the Bears need. Johnson was named the 2024 Assistant Coach of the Year at the NFL Honors.

Compared to the reports surrounding Williams and Waldron, there is already an energy shift surrounding the team.

"I'm really excited about obviously the Bears and this org and being able to make this happen and keep Ben Johnson as our coach for a long time," Williams said about the Johnson hiring. “We talked and you can see the competitiveness in his eyes and fire in his eyes... That's one of the most important things is that fire, that will and want to win.”

Johnson was quick to build his coaching staff with the Bears, hiring Declan Doyle as the team’s offensive coordinator. Doyle is just 28 years old but has the experience. Despite Doyle having the offensive coordinator title, Johnson will be the one calling the plays.

Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images / David Banks-Imagn Images

When Doyle was hired, he shared his excitement towards working with WIlliams.

"I think the biggest thing is just the talent of the kid [WIlliams]," Doyle said. "The ability to use his legs — he is a tough kid. You see it on tape…His second act, his ability to evade the pocket, his ability to create is a special thing. It's something that I got to see with Bo [Nix] in Denver last year. That ability to evade and put pressure on a defense and kind of be the eraser of game-planning mistakes, I think that's exciting about [Caleb]." said Doyle to Bears reporters. 

Whether or not the reports surrounding Waldron and Williams are true regarding the film study, it is safe to say there is already an energy shift surrounding the Chicago Bears. Williams is only heading into his second year and has gone through multiple play callers. Hopefully for the Bears, Johnson and Williams both live up to their expectations.

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