Plenty of people were surprised when the news dropped that Shane Waldron accepted the Chicago Bears offensive coordinator job. From an outside perspective, it looked like a big risk. Matt Eberflus was going into his third year after two losing seasons. Many felt he would be a lame-duck coach. If he doesn’t produce a winning season in 2024, the odds are he gets fired. So Waldron joining the team had nothing to do with a recent track record of success. It was something else.
The new offensive coordinator spoke to the media for the first time on Thursday. Unsurprisingly, he dodged every question thrown at him about the Bears’ quarterback situation. He would not offer anything substantial. However, he did admit one thing. While several factors helped make his decision easy to come here, one stood above the rest. It was the fact Chicago had two picks in the top 10 this year, giving them a golden opportunity to add a pair of blue-chip talents to the roster. Perhaps both of them would be on his side of the ball.
That is enough to make any coach excited.
“Having a unique scenario like this where you have the first pick and the ninth pick in the draft, to get a chance to be a part of an organization as storied as this one is, I think all of those things go into it. And like I said, when the season ends, every season is its own entity. You’re not saying I’m anticipating what’s about to happen, and next thing you know, here you go, you’re in the interview process. Like I said, it just felt very comfortable very quickly with meeting those guys and then obviously having that piece of the draft puzzle where you get a chance to evaluate so many top players around the college game with those two high picks, made it totally appealing.”
Shane Waldron could see the opportunity in front of him.
During his three years in Seattle, he never got to work with a young quarterback of his choosing. It started with Russell Wilson in 2021 and then became Geno Smith in 2022 and 2023. Both had success under his direction, but his path to a possible head coaching position won’t happen until he shows he can turn a draft pick into an effective starter. Chicago will present him with that possibility. Expectations are they will take a QB with the #1 overall pick in April. Waldron will get to be part of that decision. It is worth noting he has been on the west coast for the past several years now. He is likely quite familiar with Caleb Williams and his exploits.
Either way, Shane Waldron comes across as a confident man. He’s worked hard to get where he is. His experience in Seattle also prepared him for this opportunity. He understands the necessity of patience, detail, and adaptability regarding quarterbacks. His job won’t be molding the next Bears QB into something he isn’t. It will be maximizing his current strengths and working hard to snuff out his weaknesses. If things go as planned, this passing offense will be far more dangerous than it has been in years.
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But Troy Franklin was available at #48 which would be awesome.
BDT, PFN has JPJ in the 15-27ish range. I had him pegged for #17.
Smart man. If the team wins, Poles and Eberflus are likely extended after this season. If the team loses, and he’s smart enough to make friends with Kevin Warren, he may not only be the Bears next HC, he may get to help Warren pick the GM he works with.
Chances are, no matter win or lose, Waldron is here for the long haul.
@jmscooby – I like that trade offer a lot. At #17 you will still have the choice of a quality DE or WR might be a tad early on the 4th guy, but you also get a quality mid second rounder that could be JPJ territory. Depends on how high a center can go up the draft board. I would do this deal for sure.
Waldron did a great job eluding the QB question as best he could. I don’t think he gave any info there, as expected. All I know is I can’t wait for the combine, the draft, and CANT FRIGGIN WAIT til September is here!!! I don’t know who will be playing QB, but either way, I do believe we will have a better offense and certainly one that is more fun to watch overall.