In a bold move that has taken the NFL by surprise, the Chicago Bears have announced that they have parted ways with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, just midway through the season. This decision comes after a series of underwhelming performances from the Bears’ offense, which has struggled to establish a consistent rhythm and meet the expectations of a fanbase hungry for a return to playoff contention.
Waldron, who joined the Bears in 2023, was tasked with revitalizing an offense that had long been stuck in neutral. However, despite some flashes of potential, the Bears’ attack has been inconsistent at best and dysfunctional at worst, leading to growing frustration from both fans and the team’s leadership. With this move, the Bears are signaling that a change in philosophy—and potentially a shift in personnel—is needed if the team is going to get back on track.
A Rocky Start in Chicago
Shane Waldron was hired in January 2023, with the hope that his experience in the NFL—most recently as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks—would help unlock the potential of quarterback Justin Fields and the rest of the Bears’ young offensive core. Waldron had a reputation for his innovative passing schemes and ability to work with quarterbacks, especially after his success with Seattle’s Russell Wilson and later Geno Smith.
However, the transition to Chicago has been anything but smooth. While the Bears made strides on offense in the first few weeks of the season, the production quickly faltered. A lack of consistency, especially in the passing game, was evident. Justin Fields, whose development was expected to be the centerpiece of the offense under Waldron, has continued to show flashes of brilliance but has been plagued by turnovers, inconsistent decision-making, and an inability to generate points when it matters most.
Despite Waldron’s system promoting an up-tempo style with a focus on short-to-intermediate passing, the Bears’ offense ranked near the bottom of the league in several key categories, including total yards, passing yards, and red zone efficiency. At the same time, Waldron’s schemes appeared too predictable and were often stifled by opposing defenses. The inability to develop a balanced offense—particularly one that utilized both Fields’ legs and arm effectively—became a glaring issue that ultimately led to Waldron’s downfall.
The Final Straw
The Bears’ front office, led by general manager Ryan Poles and team president Kevin Warren, had been patient with Waldron through the first few months of the season. However, after a particularly ugly stretch of games—marked by turnovers, stalled drives, and a lack of scoring—they decided a change was necessary. Reports indicate that Waldron’s dismissal came after a particularly frustrating loss, where the Bears’ offense failed to score in the second half and showed little to no progress after halftime adjustments.
Poles and Warren have both expressed that their primary focus is on developing Justin Fields into a franchise quarterback, and with the offense continuing to struggle under Waldron’s watch, they felt that a new direction was required to unlock Fields’ potential.
“The development of Justin Fields and our offensive identity is the top priority for the Chicago Bears,” said Poles in a statement following the firing. “We believe that making this change now will give us the best opportunity to make the necessary adjustments and move forward.”
The Impact on Justin Fields
One of the most immediate questions following Waldron’s firing is how this will affect Justin Fields’ development. Fields has shown immense talent, particularly with his legs, but has often looked uncomfortable in the pocket and struggled to make quick, decisive reads in the passing game. Waldron was brought in to help refine these aspects of Fields’ game, but the lack of a clear offensive identity under his guidance has left Fields in a state of limbo.
While a coaching change mid-season is always a disruptive force, it’s possible that a new offensive coordinator could bring a fresh perspective that helps Fields develop more quickly. The Bears will likely promote an interim offensive coordinator for the remainder of the season, but this also opens the door for the possibility of hiring a more experienced play-caller in the offseason—someone who can tailor the offense more effectively to Fields’ strengths.
In the best-case scenario, a new coordinator could install a system that plays to Fields’ mobility and arm strength while allowing him to grow as a passer. Fields needs a coach who can balance his desire to make plays with his need to remain patient and make the correct read.
Who’s Next? Potential Candidates
With the firing of Shane Waldron, the Bears’ search for a new offensive coordinator will be a crucial decision in shaping the future of the team. Although the Bears have not yet announced who will take over for Waldron, there are several potential candidates who could fit the bill:
1. Luke Getsy (Current QB Coach):** Getsy, who currently serves as the Bears’ quarterbacks coach, would be the most logical internal candidate. He’s worked closely with Fields and has an understanding of the offense, which could lead to a smoother transition. Getsy has prior offensive coordinator experience with the Green Bay Packers, where he worked with Aaron Rodgers. This familiarity with Fields could make him a strong candidate to help stabilize the offense.
2. Greg Roman (Former Ravens OC):** Roman, who previously served as offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, is known for his ability to build offenses around a dual-threat quarterback. His system is designed to maximize a quarterback’s running ability, much like Fields. Given Roman’s past success with Lamar Jackson, he could be a great fit in Chicago to unlock Fields’ dual-threat potential.
3. **Brian Johnson (Eagles QB Coach):** Johnson has helped develop Jalen Hurts into one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, and his ability to work with young quarterbacks has drawn attention. His background in designing offenses around mobile quarterbacks could be exactly what Fields needs to take the next step.
4. Frank Reich (Former Panthers HC):** Reich has been through his share of struggles as head coach in Carolina, but his experience as an offensive coordinator—most notably in Indianapolis—could make him a strong candidate for the Bears. Reich has worked with a variety of quarterbacks and is known for his ability to design effective passing offenses.
The Road Ahead
For the Bears, firing Shane Waldron is a signal that they are not willing to let the season slip away without making necessary adjustments. With a young quarterback, the franchise’s future hinges on building the right systems and finding the right leadership. While midseason coaching changes often come with challenges, this could be the catalyst the team needs to turn things around.
The Bears now enter a critical phase where the direction of the offense will be under a microscope. Justin Fields and the rest of the offense need stability and clear leadership, and the next offensive coordinator will be tasked with turning that vision into reality.
One thing is for sure: The pressure is on the Bears’ leadership to get this right. The success or failure of their next offensive coordinator could shape the future of the entire franchise.