After interviewing a handful of candidates, the Chicago Bears have a new offensive coordinator.
“The #Bears are working towards a deal to hire Shane Waldron as their new offensive coordinator, per sources,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on January 22.
“Waldron, 44, spent the past three seasons as Seattle’s OC. Now he’s expected to land in Chicago, which owns the No. 1 pick with a big question looming at QB.”
Shane Waldron Joining Bears as Offensive Coordinator
Bears OC Shane Waldron Has Extensive Background
Waldron was the first reported candidate interviewed for the position, with Pelissero the first with that news as well. In his 20th year coaching, and 10th year coaching in the NFL, Waldron has plenty of experience, including five seasons in multiple roles under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams.
He is one of five candidates that the Bears interviewed who has direct ties to McVay.
But Waldron’s list of bosses also includes his former boss Pete Carroll, former Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden, perhaps the greatest coach of all time in Bill Belichick in his career.
What to Expect from Shane Waldron’s Offense
Waldron’s best statistical season as a play-caller came in 2022 when the Seahawks finished ninth in points and 13th in yards.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith finished fourth in the NFL in touchdown passes and eighth in passing yards. Smith also won the AP Comeback Player of the Year, leading the Seahawks to a Wild Card berth.
This past season was not as magical.
Smith finished 16th in passing yards and 18th in touchdowns, and the Seahawks failed to make the playoffs despite an identical 9-8 record.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see some of the other candidates, namely former Seahawks quarterbacks coach Greg Olson, linked to roles with the Bears under Waldron.
What Shane Waldron’s Hiring Means for Bears’ QB Decision
For now, Waldron’s hiring doesn’t tip the Bears’ hand in either direction when it comes to holding onto Justin Fields or moving on to Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, etc. Waldron’s experience has mostly been with pocket passers.
But Smith and Russell Wilson are both mobile quarterbacks who earned Pro Bowl trips under Waldron.
And don’t overlook the reclamation aspect of Smith’s story in this particular discussion.
This doesn’t necessarily lend itself to either path, though. The Bears still have all of their options available with plenty of time to make their decision. This is a competitive roster. The locker room also supports Fields, who was at the team’s facilities working out.
Preparation starts NOW SILENCE ALL THE OUTSIDE NOISE JUSTIN pic.twitter.com/wGwGcHaEL1
— Simeon “Steamin Willie Beamen” Kelley (@SirSimeonKelley) January 21, 2024
That likely means even less for his future since he is still under contract. But, if Poles is keeping Fields, perhaps it is a sign. We might have to wait until the draft in April to know for sure, though.