Caleb Williams seemingly pranked by fake Ben Johnson text, FaceTime amid Bears HC search

As the Chicago Bears continue their search for a new head coach, Ben Johnson remains a hot name. He interviewed with the franchise Saturday – but before he did, quarterback Caleb Williams was seemingly pranked by a fake text and FaceTime, pretending to be Johnson.

A video emerged on social media showing texts between Williams and two fans, who were pretending to be Johnson. They said the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator was ready to take the job once the playoff run ended, and that led to a FaceTime call.

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One of the fans then encouraged Williams to come to the Dolphins, then apologized. After he hung up, the duo celebrated the successful prank.

Not my Goat💔💔 pic.twitter.com/M4eijF2zcz

— Chi Town Sports (@ChiTownnSports) January 11, 2025

Caleb Williams is coming off a rollercoaster rookie year in Chicago. He threw for 3,541 yards – the sixth-most in Bears history – and 20 touchdowns, along with just six interceptions. Those numbers came despite an offensive coordinator change and, later, a head coach change mid-season. His development is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle as Chicago goes through its lengthy list of interviews.

Johnson’s name has been a prominent one in the Bears’ search to replace Matt Eberflus. The architect of the Lions’ high-powered offense, he interviewed virtually with Chicago on Saturday as he goes through the process. He also spoke with the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders, and has a conversation with the Jacksonville Jaguars on tap Saturday afternoon.

However, the Raiders are making a push, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and FOX Sports’ Peter Schrager. Minority owner Tom Brady is playing a key role in the search process, and Johnson made a strong impression in the interview. He’s considered a strong candidate to replace Antonio Pierce.

“And while the coaching world can invite all sorts of craziness, sources say there is one particular team to keep an eye on for Johnson: the Las Vegas Raiders,” Rapoport wrote Saturday.

“He has quickly emerged as the candidate to watch for Las Vegas, as the Raiders — in a search that prominently includes limited partner Tom Brady — are willing to wait as long as it takes to secure their potential future head coach. Jed Hughes of the firm Korn Ferry is assisting with that search, according to me and NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo. Las Vegas is said to be enamored with Johnson, sources say.”