Firing Luke Getsy was somewhat of a surprise when it happened. Since it was clear the Chicago Bears were nearing a change at quarterback, logic dictated they keep the former offensive coordinator for system continuity. Head coach Matt Eberflus felt differently. He saw the need for a fresh start, hoping to find somebody with credibility and experience, especially regarding the quarterback position. After a lengthy search, the Bears settled on former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
He’d built a reputation for getting great results from Russell Wilson and Geno Smith. Waldron learned under Sean McVay, Bill Belichick, and Pete Carroll. He watched how Jared Goff was developed in Los Angeles. If anybody had at least an understanding of how to handle Caleb Williams when he arrived, it was Waldron. A new story from Albert Breer of the MMQB proves this. Even before the coach and quarterback got together, they were in constant communication ahead of the draft. One fascinating detail about Waldron’s plan proves he is such a breath of fresh air compared to Getsy.
And after that, during the five-week break between the offseason program and training camp, Waldron worked with Hewlett to put together a plan for Williams to get valuable hours in over the summer that would cement so much of what he’d already learned, and also get to the best place possible with his mechanics and, in particular, his drops.
Waldron and quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph gave Hewlett the way they teach drops from under center. They also told Hewlett and Williams, according to Hewlett, that, “If Caleb gets to it a way that fits the timing and he’s more comfortable with, we can mesh that together.”
One of the first things Getsy did when he arrived in 2022 was change Justin Fields’ entire approach to taking the snap. That included having him learn to play with his left foot forward. Fields had played his entire career with his right foot forward before that. Many claimed he never looked comfortable with the change, and he admitted at one point that he felt like he was being overcoached. Whatever the case, it is apparent Waldron is a drastic departure from Getsy. His sole focus is on making his quarterback as comfortable as possible.
It doesn’t matter which foot Williams has forward. What matters is whether he gets the proper timing on his drops so he can make the right reads and decisions. Not all quarterbacks are built the same way. What may take one five steps to reach the proper depth may take another six. Williams is not 6’5. He’s 6’1. His strides are not the same as Tom Brady’s. Shane Waldron is smart enough to recognize that. These are the kinds of minor tweaks competent coordinators make to ensure their quarterbacks play within the offense without squashing their natural playmaking instincts.
So refreshing to see.
