Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus promised he would evaluate his staff following the team’s 19-3 loss to the New England Patriots, and change did indeed come on Tuesday. CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones reports this that the Bears have fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. NFL media reports Passing game coordinator Thomas Brown is expected to take over at OC.
“After evaluating our entire operation, I determined it was in the best interest of our team to take the leadership of our offense in a different direction. This decision was well thought out and made intentionally and respectfully.” Eberflus said in a statement. “I would like to thank Shane for his efforts and wish him the best for the future.
“Thomas is a smart offensive mind who has experience playing games with a collaborative mentality. I look forward to his leadership of our offensive coaching staff and his plan for our players.”
The Bears haven’t been the same team since their Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders, and haven’t scored a touchdown in 23 straight offensive plays dating back to Week 8. That’s the longest active stretch in history. N.F.L. The offensive line has also allowed 15 sacks over the past two games, including nine on Sunday against New England.
Through 10 weeks, the Bears’ offense is averaging 277.7 yards per game, which ranks third-worst in the league. N.F.Land 19.4 points per game, which ranks ninth-worst in the NFL. Chicago’s offense ranks in the bottom three in yards per play (4.3), third down percentage (28.7%) and sacks allowed (38).
Waldron was in his first season as the Bears’ offensive coordinator, joining from the Seattle Seahawks, where he spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator. He was charged with developing No. 1 quarterback Caleb Williams and his impressive supporting armour, which Chicago’s front office has worked hard to put together this season, but the marriage didn’t seem like a good fit. After Williams won three straight starts in Weeks 4-6, Chicago lost three straight starts after the Week 7 bye. In those three losses, Williams is averaging 4.9 yards per attempt and has thrown zero touchdowns.
Waldron’s replacement, Brown, is someone who has taken an interest in head coaching at age 38. He spent the 2023 season as the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, helping Bryce Young beat C.J. Stroud’s Houston Texans by a score of 15–13 in his first game calling plays after Frank Reich relinquished his duties.
The Bears are now 4-5, and things aren’t getting any easier. Chicago has the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL and will play its first divisional opponent of the year this week in the Green Bay Packers.