Ben Johnson explains what impresses him about Bears QB Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears will be in the market for a new head coach this offseason, and the belief around the league is that Ben Johnson will be a top contender for the job.

While the Bears organization has been dysfunctional, there are certainly appealing elements that could lure Johnson away from Detroit: roughly $82 million in salary cap space on 2025 and a talented, young quarterback in Caleb Williams. If Johnson were to come to Chicago, Williams would be a big reason why.

Johnson hasn't had a chance to do a deep dive on Williams, but from what he's seen from afar, he's been impressed with what he's seen from the No. 1 pick.

“It’s been difficult to just sit down and study every throw, but ... there’s no question that this guy is talented," Johnson told Detroit reporters Thursday. "I remember standing on the sideline last game (Thanksgiving against the Bears) and you can hear the ball whistle by you. He’s got quite a fastball, has some creativity to him, can extend plays and is accurate down the field, as well. Like I said, I haven’t really dove in and can't tell you much more beyond that, but he’s been impressive from afar.”

It's been a rocky rookie season for Williams, who's had two head coaches and three offensive coordinators through his first 13 games and played behind a shoddy offensive line that's allowed the third-most sacks all-time to a rookie quarterback.

Still, Williams has set franchise rookie records for passing yards and passing touchdowns while also posting an impressive 17-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio (and he hasn't thrown a pick since Week 6). Williams has also made some impressive throws and showcased his creativity in extending plays and making insane off-platform throws.

While Johnson's attention remains on the Lions -- who are contending for the No. 1 seed in the NFC -- when their season eventually comes to an end, his focus will likely shift to a potential head coach vacancy. And the Bears will most likely jump to land Johnson as their next head coach.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson explains what impresses him about Bears QB Caleb Williams