Report: Bears Plan to Hire Shane Waldron as Offensive Coordinator
Introduction
The Chicago Bears have found their new offensive coordinator. After an extensive search, the team has reportedly decided to appoint Shane Waldron to the position. Waldron brings a wealth of experience and expertise in offensive schematics, having held various coaching roles in the past, including his recent tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. With Waldron at the helm, the Bears hope to revitalize their offense and ascend as contenders in the NFC.
Waldron’s Experience and Accomplishments
Waldron’s coaching career has taken him through several notable stops in the NFL. He spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams under head coach Sean McVay, serving as the passing game coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and tight ends coach. During his time with the Rams, he contributed to the development of quarterback Jared Goff and the team’s offensive success.
In 2020, Waldron moved to the Seattle Seahawks as their offensive coordinator, working closely with quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Geno Smith. His offensive schemes proved effective, resulting in the Seahawks ranking among the top teams in various offensive categories, including EPA per play, success rate, EPA per rush, and EPA per dropback. Under Waldron’s guidance, Geno Smith had a remarkable season in 2022, earning him the Comeback Player of the Year award.
Waldron’s Offensive Philosophy
Waldron’s offensive philosophy aligns with the highly regarded Shanahan offensive system, which emphasizes the use of the run game to stretch the field horizontally and create openings in the passing game. The scheme prioritizes getting the ball to playmakers in space, emphasizing yards after catch. This approach proved successful in Seattle, where the Seahawks ranked among the best in yards per play, explosive run percentage, and explosive pass play rate.
The Bears’ Search for an Offensive Coordinator
The Bears embarked on their search for a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with Luke Getsy. General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus outlined their criteria for the ideal candidate, seeking someone who is an excellent teacher, adaptable, capable of creating explosive plays, and innovative. Waldron’s background and experience align well with these requirements.
Waldron’s Role in the Bears’ Quarterback Decision
With Waldron now on board, the Bears can focus on their looming decision regarding their quarterback position. Justin Fields remains the incumbent starter, and Poles has expressed confidence in his abilities. However, the Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which presents the franchise with an intriguing opportunity.
The top prospect in the 2024 draft is USC quarterback Caleb Williams, considered a “generational” talent by many scouts. Williams has trained with Rich Scangarello, who has a connection with Waldron and the Shanahan coaching tree. The Bears have indicated that they will evaluate how candidates for the offensive coordinator position plan to design offenses around quarterbacks with different skill sets, suggesting that Waldron’s input will be crucial in determining the direction of the team’s quarterback situation.
Conclusion
The hiring of Shane Waldron as the Chicago Bears’ offensive coordinator marks a significant step in the team’s efforts to revitalize their offense and compete for success in the upcoming season. His extensive experience, offensive philosophy, and ability to adapt to different quarterback skill sets make him a strong fit for the role. Waldron’s arrival will undoubtedly impact the team’s quarterback decision and overall offensive strategy, as the Bears look to establish a more dynamic and productive offense in the years to come.