REPORT: Chicago Bears In Hot Pursuit Of Top Offensive Coordinator
Firing Luke Getsy was not surprising from the Chicago Bears. He had to go. The team wasn’t getting the results they’d hoped for from him. The passing game was underachieving and Getsy had no feel for play calling. So head coach Matt Eberflus decided to make a change. His goal is to find somebody capable of teaching young players while being adaptable to circumstances. More than anything, he wants to elevate the passing game. It appears the Bears are already on the move.
According to Tom Pelissero, they have requested an interview with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
Under normal circumstances, this would be a pointless request. However, the retirement of Pete Carroll has popped the door wide open on the Seahawks’ current staff. Every assistant has been given permission to look at other job opportunities. It is refreshing to see the Bears take advantage so quickly. Waldron has built a solid reputation during his three years there. Russell Wilson had his last truly good season under his watch in 2021. Yet it’s his work with Geno Smith that turned so many heads.
The former draft bust and longtime backup made the Pro Bowl in 2022 with 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. This year, he wasn’t as explosive but still played well with over 3600 yards, 20 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
The Chicago Bears recognize what Waldron brings to the table.
Though only 44 years old, he has worked under some terrific head coaches, including Bill Belichick, Sean McVay, and Carroll. Quite a trio. If he could get that level of production from Smith, one can only imagine what he might accomplish with a potential #1 overall pick like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. Even better is that Chicago wouldn’t have to alter their offensive scheme too much. He runs a similar variation of the wide-zone system they do in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Green Bay. It shouldn’t be a surprise that Eberflus would target him immediately.
The big question is whether Waldron is interested in the Chicago Bears job. They look like a team on the rise. Their roster is talented and about to become more so. It is pretty apparent they plan to take a quarterback early in the draft. That would give any offensive coordinator a chance to work with somebody he likes. Waldron knows he isn’t far off from getting looks as a head coach. Turning things around in Chicago would all but fast-track him. As with any coordinator, he has critics. Yet the overall results are hard to argue.