Caleb Williams - Bears' turnover will aid development in long run - ESPN

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Speaking for the first time since the Chicago Bears fired Matt Eberflus amid a six-game losing streak, quarterback Caleb Williams portrayed a positive outlook on the effect that the changes he has experienced as a rookie will have on his career.

Eberflus was fired after a disastrous fourth-quarter sequence that saw the play clock run out on the Bears' attempt at a comeback in a 23-20 loss to the Lions on Thanksgiving. It was the Bears' fourth one-score loss since Week 8, which magnified coaching and game-management decisions.

Eberflus became the first coach fired by the Bears during the season in the franchise's 105-year history.

Thomas Brown was promoted to interim head coach for the final five games just three weeks after he took over offensive coordinator duties upon Shane Waldron's firing.

«It's interesting,» Williams said of Eberflus' firing after 12 games. «I don't get any say or choice over that. I have to roll with the punches. Like I said, it's interesting. It's tough.

»He's a reason of why I'm here. He drafted me. And so going through that and that process is interesting for me."

Williams, however, isn't concerned that the amount of turnover he has experienced throughout Chicago's turbulent 4-8 start will hinder his long-term development.

«I think this is a stepping-stone of development, to be able to have all of this in my first year,» Williams said. «I wouldn't say that I'm happy for it. Having these moments is definitely something that will help me in the future. Having these situational moments that it's hard to rep in practice, having some of these moments, having your coach fired or coaches fired, and people being promoted. You know, things like that all happening within a couple weeks