The Chicago Bears have made a significant change by firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, just under 10 months into his tenure. The announcement came on Tuesday, following a promise from head coach Matt Eberflus for “changes” after the team’s disappointing performance. Thomas Brown has been elevated to the role of offensive coordinator.
In a statement, Eberflus explained that the decision was reached after a thorough evaluation of the team’s performance, indicating a need for a fresh approach to their offensive strategy. He expressed gratitude to Waldron for his contributions, wishing him well in the future.
Historically, this move marks a rare decision for the Bears, as they had not altered their offensive coordinator mid-season since 1970. Waldron’s tenure was plagued by poor offensive output, particularly concerning rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The Bears have recently lost three consecutive games, scoring only 27 points during that stretch and averaging a scant 277.6 yards of offense per game, placing them among the lowest ranks in the NFL.
Waldron was appointed in January, previously serving as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. He replaced Luke Getsy, who also faced scrutiny and was dismissed after two seasons with the Bears.
Eberflus noted during Waldron’s hiring process that they sought a “great teacher” for the offense, likely anticipating quarterback Caleb Williams, who was picked first overall in the draft. However, despite investments in the coaching staff and players, the Bears’ offensive performance has remained lackluster throughout the season.
So far, the Bears have ranked poorly in several key offensive categories, struggling particularly on third downs, where they achieved just 1-of-14 conversions against the New England Patriots. Williams, who was sacked nine times in the recent game, has faced increasing pressure, having recorded his three highest-pressure games recently.
With Brown stepping into the coordinator role, the Bears are hopeful for a turnaround. Brown brings experience from his prior position with the Carolina Panthers and has a collaborative coaching style, which could foster improvement within the offensive unit.
While the current season has been challenging for the Bears, there remains a sense of optimism with the shift in coaching strategy. With the right adjustments and renewed leadership, fans might see significant growth from both Williams and the offense in the coming weeks as they aim to return to competitive form.