Eberflus confirms Williams as starter: 'No conversation'

Head coach Matt Eberflus isn't wasting any time declaring Caleb Williams the Chicago Bears' starting quarterback.

"No conversation," Eberflus said Friday, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "(Williams) is the starter."

Williams is set to start over Brett Rypien, Tyson Bagent, and undrafted free agent Austin Reed.

Eberflus added that one of Williams' benchmarks moving forward will be having a "full understanding of the concepts" of the team's offense. The 53-year-old also lauded Williams' personal quarterback coach, noting the pair worked together to prepare for the club's rookie minicamp this weekend.

Despite being named the starter, Williams said he'll likely have some "mess-ups" as the team starts its offseason program, Cronin reports. However, he added that he feels good about understanding the fundamentals of Chicago's scheme.

The Bears selected Williams No. 1 overall in April's draft after the signal-caller produced a standout career at Oklahoma and USC, including a Heisman Trophy-winning campaign in 2022 with the Trojans.

Williams finished his collegiate career with 10,082 yards, 93 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions on 66.9% passing.