LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – Bears offensive coordinator Thomas Brown has heard the word “aura” before from his two oldest sons. Now, he has also heard it from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
In describing their partnership, Williams recently credited Brown’s aura as part of the reason for the Bears offense’s success in Brown’s first two games as the team’s play-caller. For his part, Brown feels like he’s just being himself as he has settled into his new role.
“Having three boys who are all different personalities made me a better coach,” Brown said Tuesday at Halas Hall. “Because when I first got into coaching, I was probably 24 years old and I was kind of a one-size-fits-all, you’re going to get it how I give it to you and if you don’t like it, that’s your problem. It’s the wrong approach.
“It’s about still being my authentic self but also how to deliver a message. I'm never going to lie to you. I’m going to tell you the truth, but how I deliver it is based on what brings the best out of you.”
Brown was promoted on Nov. 12 after the Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron after just nine games on the job. In the two games since, Chicago has posted 391 and 398 yards of offense.
The 23-year-old Williams had one of the best performances of his young NFL career in the Bears’ 30-27 overtime loss to the Vikings on Sunday, going 32-of-47 for 340 yards and two touchdowns while playing turnover-free football. He had a 103.1 passer rating, marking the fourth time in the past eight games he has surpassed 100 in that department.
“That’s a rookie quarterback who in my opinion hasn’t even scratched the surface of how good he can be,” Brown said. “And it's my job, my focus to continue to try to find ways to make him the best he can be.”
After selecting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft in April, the Bears empowered him by immediately naming him their starting quarterback.
The Bears (4-7) did so with the goal of creating stability for Williams.
Instead, Williams’ rookie campaign has featured several challenges – none greater than the change at offensive coordinator after just nine games.
“Obviously, not having somebody jump in halfway through the season, you get a better opportunity to understand them, build a relationship with them, talk to them more, be around them and their family a lot more, things like,” Williams said. “It would’ve helped, but that’s not the situation.
“We’re in this situation now and being able to attack this face on, head on is the most important thing. Being able to go out here, find ways to beat teams and help the defense, help special teams so we can all go to the locker room and celebrate.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.