Shane Waldron was hired by the Chicago Bears as offensive coordinator last year to guide Caleb Williams’s development. Fans were led to believe he was the guiding hand behind Geno Smith’s ascent in Seattle. In reality, he’d been along for the ride. In fact, one of Seattle’s own players tried to warn that the Bears were making a mistake. That was wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He hinted that Waldron might not be the best for what Chicago wanted to do. That warning proved prophetic.
After a promising start to the season, cracks began showing in the foundation as players raised concerns about Waldron’s unwillingness to coach them hard. Coupled with a nonsensical scheme, it eventually led to a downward spiral that bottomed out with games of nine points and three points in back-to-back weeks. Waldron was fired after that, not even making it through his first season.
Eventually, he landed a new position as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ passing game coordinator. By the sound of things, people are already tired of him.
Shane Waldron seems like a negative influence wherever he goes.
Smith-Njigba had 628 yards as a rookie in 2023. The year after Shane Waldron left, he jumped to 1,130 yards. Rome Odunze had 734 yards as a rookie last year. He is currently on pace for 1,286. What has people up in arms is how bad young Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. looks. After exploding for 1,282 yards as a rookie, he’s managed just 115 through the first three weeks. Just seven catches on 25 targets with three drops. Prized #2 overall pick Travis Hunter only has 76 yards. While Waldron isn’t calling the plays, many feel he’s playing a role in why these young receivers are struggling. After all, his track record speaks for itself.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
All Bears fans can say is they’re glad he’s gone. With Ben Johnson in charge, things finally make sense. Odunze and others are playing up to their potential. Hopefully, Waldron doesn’t ruin those immensely talented receivers the Jaguars have.
