The Chicago Bears took a calculated risk this off-season by firing Luke Getsy as offensive coordinator. Changing offensive systems is always difficult in the NFL. That means everybody in the lineup has to learn new terminology, blocking schemes, routes, and other concepts. It feels like this team has to do it constantly, which is a big factor in their ongoing offensive ineptitude. However, head coach Matt Eberflus felt he needed somebody who could do what is best for new quarterback Caleb Williams. That is how the Bears went with Shane Waldron.
Serendipity played a role in this relationship happening. If Pete Carroll hadn’t decided to retire as head coach in Seattle, there is a strong likelihood Waldron would still be the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. Once it became clear a full regime change was underway, he decided to see other opportunities. The Bears presented one he liked. Now, he runs the show in Chicago. According to Zoltán Buday of Pro Football Focus, the organization lucked out in a big way, ranking Waldron as the sixth-best offensive coordinator in the league.
“6. Shane Waldron, Chicago Bears
Waldron, a former pass game coordinator under Sean McVay in Los Angeles, enjoyed a successful three-year stint under Pete Carroll in Seattle before joining the Bears this offseason.
Despite working with an oft-injured and inexperienced offensive line, he got veteran quarterback Geno Smith playing at a level that no one had seen coming. Smith set career highs in PFF overall grade in back-to-back seasons, and the Seahawks’ passing game ranked 12th in EPA per play over the two years. It is going to be exciting to see what Waldron gets out of first-overall pick Caleb Williams and the young supporting cast around him.”
As stated above, the Seahawks were plagued by injuries on the offensive line last season. Ten different blockers started at least one game in that time. Yet despite that, they still finished 14th in passing and 17th in scoring. The year before, their starting five only missed a combined four games. Seattle was 9th in scoring and 11th in passing. Waldron was a primary reason the Seahawks managed to finish with back-to-back winning seasons. Their defense was 26th and 30th in those years.
This is why Bears fans should be excited. All signs point to the defense being among the NFL’s best this year. If Shane Waldron can work similar magic with Caleb Williams that he did with Geno Smith, this team has a chance to win some games in 2024. Much of it will hinge on the offensive line. Chicago seems set at tackle, but their interior is another story. Nate Davis can’t stay healthy. Teven Jenkins has a lengthy injury history as well. Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates haven’t determined a starting center.
Waldron will have to sort that out as best he can.
