CHICAGO (CBS) — Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus promised “there will be changes” following the team’s 19-3 loss to the New England Patriotsand a big change took place on Tuesday when the team fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
“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.”
Waldron was hired to replace Luke Getsy after the 2023 season, but lasted just nine games with the Bears. At that time, they ranked ninth in the NFL in points per game (19.4), third in yards per game (277.7) and passing yards per game (169.6), and ninth place in rushing yards per game (108.1). Chicago’s offense also ranks in the bottom three in yards per play (4.3), third down percentage (28.7%) and sacks allowed (38).
Starting quarterback Caleb Williams has also regressed since the Bears’ winning streak. During their three-game winning streak, Williams completed 74% of his passes, averaging 229 yards per game, with seven total touchdowns. In their three-game losing streak, he has completed 51% of his passes, averaging 156 yards per game, with no touchdowns.
Although the Bears also dealt with multiple injuries along the offensive line, experts said firing Waldron was the right move
“Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I think this is an act of desperation. I don’t know if it will make a difference because the offensive line is still in a state of disrepair, but I do think you had to do something. You can’t preach about responsibility and then allow Shane Waldron to continue working.” says David Haugh, host of 670 The Score, who has covered the Bears since 2003.
Passing game coordinator Thomas Brown takes over as offensive coordinator. Brown, who was hired from the Carolina Panthers in the offseason, played for the Panthers last year and previously spent three seasons as an assistant with the Los Angeles Rams, and was touted as a big contributor to the Rams’ career. 2021 Super Bowl win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
“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,” said Eberflus.
The Bears were not the same team after their Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders and have not scored a touchdown on 23 consecutive offensive drives, dating back to Week 8. The offensive line has also allowed 15 sacks in the past two games. – including nine on Sunday.
After averaging nearly 32 points per game in three straight wins against the Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars in Weeks 4-6, the offense has slumped, averaging just 9 points per game in three straight losses against the Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, and New England Patriots in weeks 8-10.
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 armor that 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 tasks.
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.
