49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is a big fan of Bears QB Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears are expected to explore every option in their quest to hire their next coach, including the potential of trading for an accomplished offensive guru. Names like Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay have been mentioned in those potential trade scenarios, with the buzz around a potential deal between the Bears and 49ers for the league’s top offensive mind building momentum.

Will the Bears actually engage in trade talks that will likely cost multiple first-round picks to lure Shanahan away from San Francisco? I doubt it, but it won’t be because Shanahan shut it down.

Does the 44-year-old coach want to change zip codes after eight years with the 49ers? Is his messaging beginning to fall on deaf ears? It happens to every great coach. Perhaps an incredible city with a fantastic young quarterback is the recipe to turn Shanahan’s wandering eye into action.

Kyle Shanahan didn’t hold back this week when asked about Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. His affection for the young gunslinger’s talent was obvious.

“As talented as there is,” Shanahan said. “The stuff that you saw in college, you can see in the NFL. A good of a thrower as there is, born to play the position, got the athletic ability to do whatever, got the speed to do whatever.

He’s gotten a lot of playing time, he’s getting better as this year goes, I think he’s getting a lot more consistent. I think he’s playing best ball here the last few weeks, putting them in a chance to win here these last few games.”

READ: Should Caleb Williams be involved in Bears’ coaching search?

Williams has been playing his best ball of the season over the last three games, and it’s because of another coach who might end up landing the Chicago Bears coaching gig: Thomas Brown.

Williams has been unlocked since Brown took over playcalling duties, which confirms the importance of a young offensive-minded coach as Chicago’s preferred hire. If the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft continues his upward trajectory over the final five games of the season, there’s no reason to keep that momentum going with Brown into 2025.

But if there’s a downturn? If the Bears lose more than they win, and Williams looks unsteady in the process? Buckle up. The Kyle Shanahan watch will officially be on.