Chicago, IL – The Chicago Bears have finally found their new offensive coordinator after an extensive search. According to sources, the Bears are set to hire former Seattle offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. The news was first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Media.
Waldron, 44, spent the last three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. During his time there, he worked closely with quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Geno Smith. Waldron played a significant role in helping Smith win the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022.
Prior to his stint in Seattle, Waldron served as the passing game coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and tight ends coach for the Los Angeles Rams. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Bears’ coaching staff.
Under Waldron’s leadership, the Seahawks’ offense had an impressive performance. They ranked fifth in yards per play and were among the top ten in both explosive run percentage and explosive pass play rate. However, the team struggled in the red zone and on third downs.
The decision to hire Waldron aligns with what Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus were looking for in a candidate. They wanted someone who could be a great teacher, adaptable, able to create explosives, and innovative. Waldron’s background in the Shanahan offensive scheme fits that criteria. This scheme focuses on using the run game to stretch the field and prioritize getting the ball to playmakers in space.
Waldron stood out as a strong candidate from the beginning. He was the first to interview for the position, but the Bears considered eight other candidates before ultimately choosing him. Now that the offensive coordinator position is filled, the Bears can shift their focus to their forthcoming quarterback decision.
The team currently has Justin Fields as their quarterback, but with the No. 1 pick via the Carolina Panthers, they have a unique opportunity to make a franchise-altering choice. USC quarterback Caleb Williams is highly regarded in the 2024 NFL Draft and seen as a “generational” passer. The Bears will now rely on Waldron’s expertise to evaluate and help plan their quarterback strategy going forward.