Shane Waldron has been let go from his position as offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears after less than a year in the role. The announcement came on Tuesday, following a promise from head coach Matt Eberflus for “changes” in response to the team’s struggles. Thomas Brown, who was serving as the passing game coordinator, has been promoted to take over Waldron’s responsibilities.
In a statement, Eberflus emphasized that the decision was made after a thorough evaluation of the team’s operations, stating it was crucial for the team’s future to shift the offensive leadership. He expressed gratitude towards Waldron for his contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors.
This marks a significant shakeup for the Bears, who have not changed their offensive coordinator mid-season since 1970. During Waldron’s time, the team’s offensive performance has faced increasing criticism, particularly regarding rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who has struggled to find his footing. The Bears have lost their last three games, scoring only 27 points in that span and averaging just 277.6 yards per game, ranking among the lowest in the NFL.
Waldron, previously with the Seattle Seahawks for three seasons, was hired to revamp the Bears’ offensive strategy after the departure of Luke Getsy. Despite significant investments in their coaching staff and roster, including utilizing the top overall draft pick on Williams, the Bears’ offense has underperformed significantly throughout the season.
Brown brings experience from his recent role as the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, where he guided first overall pick Bryce Young during his rookie campaign. Having also spent time with the Los Angeles Rams, Brown’s previous coaching experiences include work at the collegiate level, making him well-equipped to lead the Bears’ offense moving forward.
As the Bears look to turn their season around, the promotion of Brown offers a fresh perspective that could reinvigorate the team’s offensive strategy.
This change presents an opportunity for the Bears to tap into Brown’s experience and creativity, potentially turning the team’s fortunes around as they continue to develop their young talents, including Williams. With the right adjustments and a collaborative approach, there is hope for the Bears to become a more competitive team in the second half of the season.