After three consecutive losses characterized by mounting struggles on offense, the Chicago Bears have decided to make a major change to their coaching staff. The Bears are parting ways with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, just nine games into his first season with the team.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported the firing on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the situation.
In Waldron’s place, Thomas Brown, who has been serving as the Bears’ offensive passing game coordinator, is expected to take over as the new offensive coordinator, according to Pelissero.
The decision to remove Waldron comes in the midst of a three-game losing streak that has dropped the Bears to 4-5, placing them last in the NFC North. During this slide, Chicago’s offense has faltered significantly, managing just 27 total points across the three losses.
Even more troubling is the downward trend in offensive production—the Bears’ point totals have decreased in each of the last three games, and they have gone 23 consecutive possessions without scoring a touchdown.
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As the Bears prepare for a crucial home matchup against their division rival, the Green Bay Packers, head coach Matt Eberflus is hoping that this significant shakeup can spark some life into the team’s struggling offense.
The Bears had high expectations heading into the 2024 season, especially with No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams at quarterback, but the results thus far have been deeply disappointing.
Waldron was tasked with overseeing the development of Caleb Williams during his rookie campaign, but the results have been disastrous. Offensive production has been scarce, and Williams has faced relentless pressure, taking an overwhelming number of hits.
Waldron’s tenure reached a breaking point after a 19-3 home loss to the 3-7 New England Patriots on Sunday, during which Williams threw for only 120 yards and the Bears’ offense managed a mere 142 total yards. The rookie quarterback was sacked nine times in that game—the most sacks taken by any quarterback in a single game this season.
The Bears have now gone two straight games without scoring a touchdown, and they have allowed six or more sacks in consecutive weeks for the first time since Weeks 8 and 9 of the 1993 season, according to NFL Research.
These results are not only detrimental to the team’s overall performance but also threaten the development of Williams, who has already been sacked 38 times this season.
This marks the highest number of sacks for a rookie quarterback in his first 10 games since David Carr was sacked 49 times during his rookie season with the Houston Texans in 2002, per NFL Research.
Shane Waldron had come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, and after the latest loss, head coach Matt Eberflus made it clear that all aspects of the team were being evaluated.
With the Bears’ offensive struggles reaching a critical point, the decision to relieve Waldron of his duties was seen as a necessary step in attempting to salvage the season.
This season was supposed to mark a turning point for the Bears, as the franchise looked to the future with promise.
However, a series of difficult losses—including a heartbreaking defeat to Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders on a Hail Mary in Week 8—has derailed their momentum. The Bears went from riding a three-game winning streak to enduring a three-game skid, during which the offense seemingly disappeared.
Now, the responsibility of turning things around falls to Thomas Brown, as Chicago makes a desperate attempt to save its season.
With Brown stepping in as offensive coordinator, the Bears are hoping for a fresh perspective and a renewed approach that can help reignite the offense and maximize the potential of their young quarterback.
Whether this midseason change will be enough to reverse the Bears’ fortunes remains to be seen, but for now, the team is betting on a new direction to bring the promise of better days ahead.
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