In a significant move, the Chicago Bears announced the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron on Tuesday morning. This decision comes on the heels of head coach Matt Eberflus’s comments regarding impending “adjustments and changes” within the team.
Eberflus stated, “After evaluating our entire operation, I decided that it is in the best interest of our team to move in a different direction with the leadership of our offense.” He expressed gratitude for Waldron’s contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors. Thomas Brown, who has served as the offensive passing game coordinator, will now take over Waldron’s responsibilities.
Waldron, who joined the Bears from the Seattle Seahawks ahead of the current season, faced growing criticism for his playcalling, particularly as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams struggled to find his rhythm. The Bears have been unable to capitalize on opportunities against weaker opponents, and their recent performance has been concerning. Currently, the team has a record of 4-5 and is facing the toughest schedule in the NFL for the remainder of the season.
The Bears have faced significant offensive challenges, failing to score a touchdown in their last two games, marking their first back-to-back scoreless outings since 2004. They have been outscored 66-27 in their last three games, raising questions about the offensive strategy and execution. Williams, who shined with four touchdowns in a Week 6 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, has since struggled, averaging just 156 yards and a completion rate of 50.5% in his last three outings.
In addition, the team has struggled to protect Williams, allowing six or more sacks in each of the past two games—a troubling trend not seen in over 30 years. As a result, the Bears currently rank as the third-worst offense in the league in terms of yards per game, averaging only 277.7 yards.
Historically, the Bears have only fired an offensive coordinator midseason once in the past 53 years, underlining the weight of this decision. This change opens the door for new strategies and potentially revitalizes an offense desperately seeking improvement.
This shakeup may serve as a turning point for the Bears, offering fresh ideas and perspectives that could help lift the team as they continue through a challenging season. There’s hope that with Thomas Brown at the helm, the Bears can regain their footing and improve their performance in the following games. Fans will be looking for a bounce-back against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, which could mark a new chapter in their season.