Chicago Bears Reportedly Got Most "Sought-After" OC On The Market

One of Chicago Bears fans' biggest fears about keeping Matt Eberflus was the perception that he would have the stigma of going into 2024 as a "lame duck" coach. In other words, if he didn't make the playoffs, he and his staff would likely get fired. No credible offensive coordinator candidates would want to join the Bears with that hanging over their heads. Yet Eberflus remained confident he could bring in the right people. He even went as far as to say the phones were already ringing with candidates interested in the job.

It took a few weeks. Chicago interviewed nine different candidates from multiple backgrounds. In the end, it was Shane Waldron who got the job. His availability was a major shock. Nobody expected it because there were zero signs the staff was in trouble. Then Pete Carroll stepped down. The Bears moved swiftly, being the first team to meet with him. It seems the interest was mutual, and a deal eventually came together.

How significant is this hire? According to Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus, the widespread belief around the NFL was that Waldron was the best offensive coordinator candidate available. He explained on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

Waldron is precisely what the Chicago Bears wanted.

He's a proven, experienced playcaller from the renowned Shanahan/McVay offensive coaching tree. That means the transition for players on the roster won't be difficult. He also earned a reputation in Seattle for being a major ally for his quarterbacks. Russell Wilson had one of his most efficient seasons in 2021, throwing for 3,113 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 14 games. That was despite breaking his finger during the year. In 2022, career journeyman Geno Smith erupted for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

Waldron isn't afraid to go pass-first, dials up shot plays to keep the defense honest, and is mindful of getting the ball out of the quarterback's hands as quickly as possible. He's learned how to coach that position from guys like Bill Belichick, Sean McVay, and Pete Carroll. The Chicago Bears were smart to hire him. He may not be the superstar name certain people in the media wanted, but he's a quality coach. Whichever direction the team goes at quarterback, he will have a plan for it.