The Chicago Bears are considering the future of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron after yet another disappointing performance, according to head coach Matt Eberflus on Monday.
“The process of that, we’re going through that right now,” Eberflus stated. “All those adjustments and changes and things that we’re going to do — we’re still in the evaluation phase of that.”
Eberflus expressed a commitment to making necessary changes following a 19-3 defeat against the New England Patriots, marking the Bears’ third consecutive loss. However, he stopped short of detailing any specific adjustments.
“I just think that right now, to come out here less than 24 hours and make all those changes or changes that you want to make and state,” he remarked. “When I have those answers, I’ll get them to you. I’m just not at that point right now.”
Eberflus clarified that the decision regarding Waldron rests solely with him. The Bears might consider taking away Waldron’s play-calling responsibilities if they choose not to terminate his contract.
Currently, the Bears (4-5) sit at 30th in the NFL for total offense and 24th in scoring. They have gone two consecutive games and 23 possessions without a touchdown since their last score in the closing moments against Washington in Week 8, where they lost on a last-second Hail Mary pass from Jayden Daniels. The schedule ahead is daunting, with six of the final eight games against NFC North rivals, starting with a matchup against the Green Bay Packers this week.
Waldron, who joined the Bears this season after the dismissal of Luke Getsy, previously served as offensive coordinator under Pete Carroll in Seattle. He played a pivotal role in transforming quarterback Geno Smith into the AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2022, when Smith threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns.
After a loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3, players on the Bears roster urged Waldron to intensify his coaching approach. Following this, the team achieved victories against the Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, the performance of Caleb Williams, the No. 1 draft pick, has since declined. During this period, he has completed only 48 of 95 passes and faced nine sacks against New England, a stark contrast to his earlier signs of improvement during the team’s winning streak.
“We’ve won some games in a row, so there is evidence on tape that we’ve had togetherness, complementary football, played winning football, and for you to sit there and say we haven’t done that, that’s not true,” Eberflus noted. “I also understand that we’ve lost three in a row, and there’s an urgency there and adjustments that are necessary because it hasn’t worked the last three weeks, and I’m fully aware of that, too. Again, I’m not just at that point right now in terms of stating those changes because we’re in the middle of that process.”
The Bears will aim to break a 10-game losing streak against Green Bay when they host the Packers on Sunday. Historically, Chicago has struggled against their rivals, losing 25 of the last 28 matchups, including the NFC Championship at the end of the 2010 season.
