Shane Waldron Has One Hidden Talent That Should Excite Bears Fans

The Chicago Bears knew they needed to find someone with credibility for their offensive coordinator position once Luke Getsy was fired. Head coach Matt Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles knew two things. The guy needed playcalling experience, and he should have a background in the Shanahan/McVay system that Getsy also came from. They caught an immediate break when Pete Carroll stepped down as head coach in Seattle, making Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron available.

After carefully considering and interviewing eight other candidates, the Bears made the sensible choice. Waldron was hired to replace Getsy. People wondered who the team was getting. While the young coordinator never had a top 10 unit in Seattle, the team still had considerable success, primarily through the air. Waldron was lauded for his creativity and ability to adapt to the players he had. However, Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune pointed out another attribute that not enough people talk about.

Waldron developed a knack for crafting excellent game-winning drives late in games.

"That marked the second time in NFL history — and the first since 1999 — a team had two quarterbacks throw game-winning touchdown passes in the final minute of regulation in consecutive weeks. And it provided added evidence of Waldron’s ability to adapt and set up his players for success in the critical stages of games."

Shane Waldron doesn't seem to flinch in the moment.

In the past two seasons, his quarterbacks have engineered no fewer than seven 4th quarter comebacks and nine game-winning drives. Keep in mind he didn't do this with a Hall of Fame quarterback under center. He did it with Geno Smith and Drew Lock, two guys who were widely considered busts before arriving in Seattle. That is no small feat. Now, he will join the Bears in determining which quarterback they likely take with the #1 overall pick in April. Maybe it's Caleb Williams or somebody else.

One thing is clear. It appears Shane Waldron isn't one to wilt under the pressure. In his two years with the Bears, Getsy managed only two 4th quarter comebacks and three game-winning drives. His offense developed an ugly reputation for falling apart late in games. Perhaps that was a big reason the Bears targeted Waldron. They felt he could provide more confidence and stability at such a crucial junction of games. It's hard to fault them for such logic. Such coaches aren't easy to find.