Poles, Eberflus Choose Shane Waldron To Lead Offense, QB Decisions Remain
Early this morning, Tom Pelissero from NFL Network broke the news that that the Bears are making Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron the Bears’ new man to lead Chicago’s offense. The team has yet to confirm the hiring.
The announcement is good news for Bears fans on several levels. Waldron, according to reports, was the top candidate during the search to replace Luke Getsy. According to sources, he was considering the coordinator role in Las Vegas and New Orleans. He chose Chicago. Waldron is well-versed in the offensive system the Bears desire. Waldron is also highly regarded for his ability to coach and mentor his quarterback.
Waldron Can Work With Fields
Justin Fields should be thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Waldron. His recent work with Geno Smith shows the ability to get the most out of his QB. At Seattle, Waldron elevated the play of Geno Smith, Smith, drafted by the Jets in 2013 never had a winning season as the Jets signal caller. After four seasons with the Jets, he bounced around the league with the Giants and Rams before he signed with Seattle.
Waldron’s teaching ability should work wonders for Fields, assuming Poles decides to continue to build the team around him. If Poles ultimately decides to trade Justin and use the top pick in this year’s draft, the new QB will slide into a great spot that Fields didn’t have. Chicago is a team on the rise.
There is no timetable for Poles to make his intentions known on what he will do for the QB heading into 2024. Keeping or trading Justin Fields will be the most talked about decision in the NFL.
Now Time To Complete The Offensive Coaching Staff
Poles, Eberflus, and now Waldron must fill out the remaining holes in the offensive coaching staff. It will be interesting to see if any of the other candidates interviewed for OC will end up on the staff in some capacity. Roman as Running game coordinator? Kubiak and Passing Coordinator? If positions aren’t filled quickly it could only mean the Bears have to wait for their guy(s) because their teams are still alive in the postseason.
Defensive Coordinator News
A name familiar with Bears fans, Chris Harris, is being interviewed for the defensive coordinator opening. Harris was drafted in 2005 and played for Chicago for two seasons. He was reacquired in 2010. After being released mid-year in 2011, he finished the season with Detroit. Chicago hired Harris as a defensive quality control coach in 2013, but was not retained by John Fox in 2015. He is currently the defensive passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach for the Tennesee Titans.