Bears interim coach Thomas Brown to remain offensive play-caller for QB Caleb Williams

While Thomas Brown was the most qualified choice to be Bears interim coach after they fired Matt Eberflus, there was some concern about tinkering with a structure that was working for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.

The Bears chose Brown anyway, and Friday he explained a detailed plan on how he would handle the additional responsibilities while maintaining the progress he was making as offensive play caller for Williams, a source said. Williams has a 99.2 passer rating in three games since Brown stepped in for former coordinator Shane Waldron, who was fired midseason.

Location will be one major change for Brown in the new role. He has been calling the offense from the booth, but now will need to be on the sideline as head coach.

The Bears are in the early stage of planning for their upcoming coaching search, and Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury are two obvious candidates they'll explore. But by naming Brown interim coach, they'll get a firsthand look at how he manages his staff and in-game decisions over the final five games of the season. While Brown and the Bears likely will downplay, a source said it is essentially an extended audition.

Brown's debut as head coach will be Dec. 8 against the 49ers, and he gets a shot at all three division teams before the season ends.