LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Caleb Williams will not have direct input in hiring the next Bears head coach. Obviously.

That’s nowhere in his job description, nor should it be. That’s general manger Ryan Poles’ jurisdiction.

The young quarterback will be a significant discussion point among prospective candidates, who will need a plan to continue his development.

RELATED CONTENT:

• What Ryan Poles, Kevin Warren are looking for in next Bears head coach
• Bears confirm Ryan Poles will be general manager moving forward
• What comes next for Ryan Poles, Thomas Brown after Matt Eberflus firing
• Thomas Brown’s first message to Bears as interim head coach

“It’s got to be a major part in the interview process,” Poles said, “of making sure that there’s a plan for a young quarterback in this league.”

Poles’ original plan to surround the No. 1 overall draft pick with stability didn’t work out. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was let go near midseason. Head coach Matt Eberflus was gone just a few weeks after that.

The rookie quarterback has experienced tons of change in his first season, the opposite of what was intended.

His resilience is an important trait and he has shown that while developing in relative chaos.

“We’ve seen his growth through some situations that we’ve had so far,” Williams said. “We’ve always got to keep that in mind and we’re going to make sure, again, we go back to what’s best for the Bears. His development is critical, so we need to make sure there’s alignment in that space so he can continue to get better.”

The Bears new head coach will need a concrete plan for his development. If it’s a defensive-minded coach in the interview chair, he should have coordinator options available that could help Williams develop.

Poles and team president Kevin Warren believe Williams’ presence will help make the Bears job attractive.

“We have a quarterback in Caleb Williams who’s shown that he’s very special,” Warren said, “and in the right environment, he can become even more special than he already has shown.”

One issue with defensive minded coordinators on successful teams often get their offensive coordinators poached. Bringing in an offensive-focused coach could form a long-term partnership that works well for both.

No matter what, Poles will be looking for a thought-out plan for Williams and his development.

Thomas Brown has done an admirable job helping Williams develop and shaping the offense and his passing rules to take advantage of his talents and the early point in his NFL career. Brown also has to keep Williams going in the midst of all this season’s drama.

“Being consistent,” Brown said. “So, we all have to make adjustments. Life is ever changing. It’s not an excuse. I don’t make excuses. So I think being able to communicate effectively, to be on the same page, to continue to demand that we do things the right way, but also taking it one play at a time, one day at a time.”