Bears’ Matt Eberflus discloses startling information about the incoming OC job
The offense will appear much different in Caleb Williams’ rookie season as quarterback and Rome Odunze’s at wide out when the Chicago Bears select both players in the 2024 NFL Draft. Shane Waldron, the new offensive coordinator for the Bears, will set the example.
Chicago took a different approach at OC, but head coach Matt Eberflus was kept on. When it came to choose his next offensive coordinator, Eberflus had the option to consult his extensive network of NFL contacts from his professional background. Rather, he made the unconventional decision to use Up & Adams to find a coach in Waldron with whom he was unfamiliar.
Eberflus remarked, “We didn’t know each other before.” “Your tape is your resume, I say all the time. I’ve respected and always enjoyed seeing his tape. That’s the main reason he was hired.
For Chicago to thrive, Waldron and Eberflus—who had never met before the interview process—must collaborate. In 2023, the Bears’ average of 323.2 yards per game placed them 20th in the NFL.
Eberflus anticipates much more from his offense in 2024, especially with a new quarterback and an overall infusion of skill. He quickly realized that Waldron was the best coach to elevate Chicago’s offense to the next level.
Shane Waldron’s journey to Bears
Shane Waldron has played a wide variety of positions during his football career. During his early career as an assistant with the New England Patriots, he worked alongside Bill Belichick. His most recent position was with the Seattle Seahawks as their offensive coordinator. Every destination along the route imparted knowledge on football and offensive strategy to him.
Waldron’s position with the Seahawks marked his first NFL offensive coordinator role. Seattle finally hit their stride in 2022, finishing 13th in the NFL with 351.5 yards gained per contest. In Waldron’s next two seasons, the Seahawks were unable to replicate that rating, but the Bears were undoubtedly impressed by what they saw on tape.
They observed as Waldron assisted in transforming Geno Smith into a reliable starting quarterback. Smith started 32 games in 2022–2023 after making five starts in total from 2015–21. Smith was selected to the Pro Bowl at the end of both seasons.
With Caleb Williams, Waldron’s workload will be considerably different. Williams is taking the keys to the castle and heading into Chicago instead of trying to build a name for himself again. It is now Waldron’s responsibility to put in place a strategy that plays to his strengths and advances the ball.
In 2024, there will be a lot of excitement coming from Soldier Field. It will be mostly due to the Bears’ new offensive scheme. Shane Waldron will be held to a higher standard following Luke Getsy’s portrayal of the character. Matt Eberflus, nevertheless, is still certain that the former stranger who is now the Bears’ assistant coach is the finest choice.
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