We Finally Know How Bad It Was Under Shane Waldron

Just a week ago, the Chicago Bears parted ways with their former offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron. Since then, new details have emerged about the challenges under Waldron's leadership, dating back to the team's OTAs in May. Many current players in the locker room have criticized his approach to practice, claiming he didn’t consistently push them to strive for greatness.

Notably, wide receiver Keenan Allen shared feedback about Waldron’s tenure. On the day Waldron was fired, Allen described him as "too nice of a guy" and elaborated, saying, "During OTAs and training camp, he kind of fell into a trap of letting things slide and not holding people accountable. Those things obviously lead to a slippery slope."

While such criticism might be dismissed if it came from a single player, multiple sources within the team have echoed similar concerns, painting a broader picture of why Waldron's time in Chicago came to an end.

Cole Kmet indirectly confirms these reports.

During his weekly podcast, The 85 with Cole Kmet, the Bears' tight end was asked about the differences he noticed in the team's offense under new offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. Kmet didn't hold back, offering what appears to be a pointed critique of former OC Shane Waldron.

"He demands a certain standard in terms of the way we practice and operate. I think guys' really bought into that. At the end of the day, guys' bought in and that is why you saw a better product on the field."

Report after report paints a consistent picture of Shane Waldron's time in Chicago: he struggled with attention to detail, and the players in the locker room never fully embraced his vision. This is typical in the NFL, where players quickly sense whether a coach—or even a teammate—has that "it factor." Just look at DJ Moore's performance this week. It's clear that he and others are more energized and, as Cole Kmet pointed out, have immediately bought into Thomas Brown's fresh approach to the offense.