Few coaches are under more pressure after the first three weeks of the 2024 season than Shane Waldron. The Chicago Bears offensive coordinator came in with plenty of fanfare after his successful run with the Seattle Seahawks. It was felt he was exactly the guy who could cultivate a young quarterback like Caleb Williams. Things have gone poorly since the season began. Not only has Williams been sacked 13 times, but Waldron’s running game ranks third-worst in the entire league. Apparently, a leadership council of offensive players has already confronted him about the issues. Adam Schefter added another layer to it.
The ESPN insider appeared on The Pat McAfee show to discuss the Bears’ situation. When the topic of Waldron came up, he decided to shed some light. Contrary to popular myth, it isn’t like the coordinator is ignorant or stubborn about the issues. He stood up during offensive meetings and showed multiple plays during games where he screwed up. Nobody can say he doesn’t embrace the team’s culture of accountability.
Shane Waldron won’t let ego get in the way of progress.
That was always Matt Nagy’s biggest criticism. Even though it was clear his offensive system wasn’t working for long stretches, he refused to make permanent adjustments despite some of them working. It sounds like Waldron is nothing like that. He may have certain ideas on what kind of offense he likes to run. Still, it isn’t ignorant of his current reality. The Bears’ current personnel isn’t capable of running that system. A pragmatic coach would evaluate things and make adjustments to a scheme that they can.
Time will tell if Shane Waldron pushes the right buttons to get everybody on the same page. Based on comments from tight end Marcedes Lewis, it sounds like the coach came in a little uncertain, not wanting to make the wrong impression in a veteran locker room. He was quickly reminded that these are professionals. They make a lot of money to get coached. They want to be great. Waldron needs to assert himself more while keeping an open mind.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Over/Under 3.5 WR Screens?
Open-minded, assertive, non-ego-driven…and not afraid to be experimental. Sounds like somebody I know quite well.