The Bears have chosen their new OC!!!!
The Chicago Bears are in the final stages of securing a deal to appoint Shane Waldron as their next offensive coordinator, according to a source confirmed by ESPN.
Waldron, aged 44, was the first of nine reported candidates that the Bears requested interviews with, following the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and four members of the offensive staff on January 10. Waldron comes to Chicago after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks over the past three seasons.
Waldron embarked on his NFL coaching career as an offensive quality control coach with the New England Patriots in 2008, later assuming the role of the Patriots' tight ends coach. After coaching stints in the United Football League and at UMass, Waldron returned to the NFL in 2016 with the Washington Commanders before spending four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. During his time with the Rams, he coached tight ends in 2017, quarterbacks in 2019, and also served as the passing game coordinator.
Chicago interviewed four offensive coordinator candidates who have been part of Sean McVay's coaching staff, including Waldron. The other candidates from the McVay coaching tree were Liam Coen, Thomas Brown, and Zac Robinson.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Bears also expressed interest in interviewing Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers. However, Moore's interview request was blocked by the Chargers after he had interviewed for their vacant head coach position the previous week.
Waldron brings three seasons of playcalling experience to Chicago. He took on the role of Seattle's offensive coordinator during Russell Wilson's final season with the Seahawks in 2021 and guided Geno Smith to a career-best season in the subsequent year. Smith led the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%), ranked fourth in touchdowns (30), fifth in passer rating (100.9), seventh in QBR (62.8), and eighth in passing yards (4,282).
In the 2023 season, Seattle's offense ranked 17th in points per game (21.4) and 21st in yards per game (322.9). The Bears posted similar rankings, finishing 18th in points per game (21.2) and 20th in yards per game (232.2). The disparity between their strong rushing offense (ranked second) and struggling passing offense (ranked 27th) played a role in the decision to part ways with Getsy after two seasons.
When discussing the qualities the team seeks in its next offensive coordinator, Bears coach Matt Eberflus emphasized the importance of finding a great teacher who can innovate and bring creativity to the team's offensive strategy.
Waldron's arrival in Chicago coincides with a crucial offseason, where the team must make a decision regarding their quarterback situation. Over the next few months, they will need to determine whether to use the first overall pick on USC's Caleb Williams or another rookie, or stick with Justin Fields as he enters his fourth season.
General manager Ryan Poles expressed that the coaching candidates do not need complete clarity on the quarterback situation during the interviews, as versatility and adaptability in their teaching and strategic planning are essential qualities.
The initial report of Waldron's hiring came from the NFL Network.
| POLL | ||
22 JANVIER | 100 ANSWERS The Bears have chosen their new OC!!!! Are you happy about the Bears hiring Shane Waldron? | ||
| yes | 69 | 69 % |
| No | 31 | 31 % |
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