The Chicago Bears have made a major shakeup in the midst of a disappointing season, firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron on Tuesday. The move comes as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has shown signs of regression in recent weeks.
Waldron, who was in his first year with the Bears, was brought in to maximize Williams’ talent after successfully working with Geno Smith in Seattle. However, the young quarterback has struggled to find consistency, leading to the Bears’ current three-game losing streak.
Thomas Brown Takes Over Play-Calling Duties
In the wake of Waldron’s dismissal, passing game coordinator Thomas Brown has been promoted to offensive coordinator. Brown, who interviewed for the position in January, brings experience from his time in the same role with the Carolina Panthers during Bryce Young’s rookie season in 2023.
Head coach Matt Eberflus praised Brown’s ability to communicate and make things clear and concise, emphasizing the need for improved in-game communication. The Bears’ offensive leadership, including Williams and key veterans, had previously asked Waldron to coach them harder in an effort to spark the struggling unit.
Williams’ Struggles By The Numbers
Over the past three games, Williams ranks near the bottom of the league in several key passing metrics:
- 32nd in completion percentage (50.5%)
- 32nd in yards per attempt (4.9)
- Tied for 31st in passing touchdowns (0)
- 30th in Total QBR (21.2)
Williams has also been sacked an NFL-high 18 times during this stretch, often holding onto the ball too long. This concerning trend dates back to his college days at USC, where he had the second-most dropbacks of five or more seconds in the FBS in 2023.
Pressure Mounts on Eberflus
With Waldron’s firing, Eberflus is now on his third offensive coordinator since being hired by the Bears in 2022. The head coach finds himself on the hot seat as Chicago enters the toughest stretch of their schedule, facing six NFC North opponents in the next eight weeks.
We’re 4-5 and we’ve lost three in a row, and again, it’s about getting us on the right track.
– Matt Eberflus, Bears Head Coach
Brown’s first task will be to find ways to better utilize the Bears’ offensive weapons, including tight end Cole Kmet, wide receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, and running back D’Andre Swift. If the team can’t turn things around quickly, Eberflus’ job security may come into question.
As the Bears prepare to face their long-time rival Green Bay Packers in Week 11, all eyes will be on Williams and the revamped offense under Brown’s leadership. With playoff hopes fading fast, it’s crucial that the team finds a spark before it’s too late.
