The Chicago Bears are in talks to hire Shane Waldron as their new offensive coordinator, according to several sources.
For the past three seasons, Waldron has been the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks and contributed to Geno Smith's successful 2022 season. Before that, he worked with the Los Angeles Rams for four seasons in various coaching roles.
He is highly respected in the league for being a young and energetic coach with a creative mind, and he also has three seasons of experience calling plays, which is important for the Bears.
The initial report came from NFL Network. The Bears are reportedly planning to hire Waldron.
The Bears reportedly interviewed at least nine candidates. The opening attracted at least nine candidates, including Klint Kubiak from the San Francisco 49ers, Greg Roman from the former Baltimore Ravens, Thomas Brown from the former Carolina Panthers, and Kliff Kingsbury from the former Arizona Cardinals. Waldron would take over for Luke Getsy, who was fired by coach Matt Eberflus earlier this month after two seasons as the Bears' offensive leader.
Eberflus emphasized the importance of finding a new offensive coordinator who is a great teacher, and this has been a key focus in the search for Getsy’s replacement. The desired new offensive coordinator should be a great teacher, as Eberflus stated, as this is crucial for coaching the coaches and enhancing the players' performance.
Eberflus believes that the No. 1 trait of any great coach is the ability to coach and innovate to help players succeed and achieve explosive plays.
Waldron would be taking over a Bears offense that faces important decisions at quarterback, such as whether to draft USC’s Caleb Williams or stick with Justin Fields, the current starter for the last three seasons. Potentially USC’s Caleb Williams would be a consideration for the No. 1 draft pick. — or to The Bears may choose to continue with Justin Fields, who has been their starting quarterback for the past three seasons.The Bears have some major decisions ahead this off-season regarding their quarterback position.
General manager Ryan Poles wants to know how candidates plan to coach different types of quarterbacks.
Poles emphasized the importance of candidates demonstrating versatility and adaptability in their teaching and implementation of plans and schemes during the interview process.
Waldron was responsible for calling plays for the Seahawks' offense in 2021, which was led by Russell Wilson. In 2022, after Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos, the Seahawks turned to Smith and managed to win nine games and secure a wild-card spot.
Smith, who was in his 10th NFL season, was named the league’s Comeback Player of the Year after achieving impressive passing stats. These stats would have set new single-season franchise records for the Bears.
The Seahawks ranked 21st in total offense (322.9 yards per game) and 14th in passing (230 ypg) this season. They scored an average of 21.4 points, ranking 17th. This was a decline from 2022, when they averaged 351.5 yards (13th) and 23.9 points (ninth).
The Seahawks staff is seeking new employment opportunities after the team and coach decided to go their separate ways. Pete Carroll and the organization are no longer working together after a 14-year partnership..
In addition to collaborating closely with Wilson and Smith, Waldron has worked with quarterback Jared Goff for three seasons while with the Rams.
Waldron previously served as an offensive assistant with the New England Patriots (2008-09) and Washington (2016) and worked in operations with the Patriots early in his career. He also has coaching experience in college, high school, and the UFL.
Waldron and the Bears need to hire assistants for coaching the quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs as the team recently let go of Andrew Janocko, Tyke Tolbert, and Omar Young. Offensive line coach Chris Morgan and tight ends coach Jim Dray are still part of the staff.
The Bears are also in search of a new defensive coordinator. The Bears are currently looking for a new defensive coordinator.The NFL Network reported on Monday that they will interview Tennessee Titans defensive pass game coordinator Chris Harris. Harris, who played safety in the NFL for eight seasons, including two stints with the Bears, started for the 2006 Bears team that made it to the Super Bowl.
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