CHICAGO (AP) – The Chicago Bears have reportedly reached a deal to hire Shane Waldron as their next offensive coordinator, according to a source. The 44-year-old Waldron, who most recently served as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, was among the nine candidates the Bears interviewed after parting ways with Luke Getsy and other members of their offensive staff earlier this month.
Waldron’s NFL coaching career began in 2008 as an offensive quality control coach with the New England Patriots. He later became the team’s tight ends coach before moving on to coaching stints in the United Football League and at UMass. In 2016, Waldron returned to the NFL with Washington and spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, where he coached tight ends, quarterbacks, and served as the passing game coordinator.
It is worth noting that the Bears interviewed several offensive coordinator candidates who previously worked with Rams head coach Sean McVay, including Liam Coen, Thomas Brown, and Zac Robinson. Additionally, the team attempted to interview Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, but their request was denied by Los Angeles.
Waldron brings three seasons of experience as a playcaller with him to Chicago. During his final season with the Seahawks in 2021, he became the team’s offensive coordinator and helped Geno Smith achieve a career-best season. Smith ranked highly in completion percentage, touchdowns, passer rating, QBR, and passing yards. However, Seattle’s offense ranked average in points and yards per game during the 2023 season, just like the Bears.
The Bears’ decision to hire Waldron comes at a time of uncertainty, particularly regarding their quarterback situation. The team must soon decide whether to use the first overall pick in the upcoming draft on Caleb Williams from USC or stick with Justin Fields, who will be entering his fourth season. During the interview process for offensive coordinator candidates, general manager Ryan Poles emphasized the importance of adaptability and versatility in teaching and implementing schemes.
The news of Waldron’s hiring was first reported by the NFL Network, signaling that the Bears are taking steps to revamp their offensive strategy and address the team’s need for improvement in both passing and rushing. The addition of Waldron brings hopes of a more balanced and innovative offensive approach that can maximize the talents of the Bears’ quarterback, whoever that may be going forward.