The Chicago Bears have fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, aiming to revitalize a struggling offense that ranks among the lowest in the NFL.
In his place, offensive passing game coordinator Thomas Brown has been elevated to the role of offensive coordinator.
These changes come as the Bears (4-5) face a daunting three-game losing streak, with their offense experiencing a significant downturn following an offseason overhaul that included drafting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick.
Head coach Matt Eberflus indicated on Monday that adjustments were necessary after a disappointing 19-3 defeat against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Although he was not ready to disclose specifics at that time, he emphasized that the decision regarding the offensive coordinator was ultimately his to make.
“After evaluating our entire operation, I decided that it is in the best interest of our team to move in a different direction with the leadership of our offense. This decision was well thought out, conducted deliberately and respectfully,” Eberflus stated. “I would like to thank Shane for his efforts and wish him the best moving forward.”
Eberflus praised Brown, stating, “Thomas is a bright offensive mind who has experience calling plays with a collaborative mindset. I look forward to his leadership over our offensive coaching staff and his plan for our players.”
Waldron’s tenure lasted only nine games. He was brought on board in January to succeed Luke Getsy, who was dismissed after two seasons. Getsy later joined the Las Vegas Raiders as their offensive coordinator before also being let go.
The Bears currently sit at 30th in total offense and 24th in scoring across the league. They have not scored a touchdown in back-to-back games for the first time since 2004, with 23 consecutive possessions without a touchdown since their last score against the Washington Commanders in Week 8.
Quarterback Caleb Williams faced immense pressure during the loss to New England, being sacked nine times. The Bears are currently tied with six other teams for the worst record in the league.
The offensive unit has managed only two touchdowns over 34 drives since returning from their bye week. Prior to this slump, the Bears had won three consecutive games, with Williams appearing to develop a rhythm, albeit against weaker opponents.
In that stretch, Williams completed 74% of his passes for 687 yards and seven touchdowns, with just one interception. However, in the last three games, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner has completed only 48 of 95 passes without a touchdown.
Williams has often found himself under siege due to a struggling offensive line plagued by injuries. His tendency to hold onto the ball too long has also contributed to the increasing sack count.
Waldron faced criticism for seemingly neglecting the run game in several matchups. Following a loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3, players encouraged him to adopt a more aggressive coaching style.
The Bears entered their bye week with a promising 4-2 record but have since faltered. The upcoming schedule poses a greater challenge, with six of their final eight games against NFC North rivals, beginning with a matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app.
The team’s struggles have intensified scrutiny on Eberflus, with fans expressing their frustrations by chanting “Fire ‘Flus!” during the recent game against the Patriots. Under his leadership, the Bears have a record of 14-29 over two and a half seasons, a stark contrast to the expectations set after improving from a 3-14 record in 2022 to 7-10 last year.
General manager Ryan Poles undertook a significant overhaul of the offense during the offseason.
The Bears paved the way for drafting Williams by trading Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They also made a significant move to acquire six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers, following a trade that sent the No. 1 pick in 2023 to the Carolina Panthers for DJ Moore. In that deal, Chicago received the Panthers’ 2024 first-round pick, which they used to select Williams. Additionally, the Bears drafted wide receiver Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The team also added running back D’Andre Swift and veteran tight end Gerald Everett, aiming to create a formidable offensive lineup alongside Cole Kmet. However, the Bears have yet to see the anticipated results from these changes.
