LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Following another disappointing performance, the Chicago Bears are contemplating the future of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, according to head coach Matt Eberflus.
“We are currently assessing the situation,” Eberflus stated on Monday. “We are in the process of determining any necessary adjustments and changes.”
After a lackluster 19-3 defeat against the New England Patriots, which marked the team’s third consecutive loss, he acknowledged that changes are likely but had not yet reached a conclusion.
“I think we need to be cautious about making immediate decisions, especially less than a day after the game,” Eberflus explained. “When I have concrete answers, I’ll share them. I’m not positioned to provide those details right now.”
He emphasized that the decision regarding Waldron is his to make. If the Bears opt not to dismiss him entirely, they could still reallocate his play-calling responsibilities.
Currently, the Bears (4-5) are struggling on the offensive front, ranking 30th in total offense and 24th in scoring as of Sunday. The team has not scored a touchdown in two games and has failed to do so on 23 consecutive possessions since a late-game score in Week 8 against Washington, which ended in defeat due to a Hail Mary pass. As the schedule intensifies with six out of the last eight games against NFC North teams, starting with a matchup against the Green Bay Packers this week, the pressure mounts.
Waldron began his tenure with the Bears this season after taking over from the dismissed Luke Getsy. Previously, he served as the offensive coordinator for Pete Carroll in Seattle, guiding quarterback Geno Smith to his best season in 2022, where he was named the AP Comeback Player of the Year after throwing for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Despite initial success, players have urged Waldron to adopt a more forceful coaching approach following a setback against Indianapolis in Week 3. Afterward, the Bears managed three consecutive victories against lower-ranked teams, defeating the Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, since that winning streak, quarterback Caleb Williams has shown signs of regression. The top draft pick has completed only 48 of 95 passes and was brought down nine times during the game against New England, contrasting sharply with his earlier progress during the team’s winning run.
“We’ve had some consecutive wins, so there’s evidence showing we’ve played together, showcased complementary football, and executed effectively,” Eberflus remarked. “While I recognize the urgency stemming from three straight losses, which necessitates adjustments, I’m still processing what those might be and will not rush into announcing them.”
In terms of performance, the Bears’ defense did well against New England, limiting them to 19 points. Yet, the offense remains in dire straits, struggling to generate any momentum.
On the positive side, kicker Cairo Santos has emerged as a consistent performer, being the only Bear to score in the past two weeks. After successfully nailing three field goals in a recent loss against Arizona, he added a 33-yard field goal in the second quarter against the Patriots. He boasts impressive stats with 12 field goals made out of 14 attempts and 15 successful extra points.
Conversely, Caleb Williams has witnessed a dip in form. Previously, he completed 74% of his passes and threw for seven touchdowns and one interception during the team’s brief winning streak. However, he has struggled since, raising concerns about the effect the recent physical toll could have on him.
In support of the young quarterback, running back D’Andre Swift noted, “He remains unfazed by the challenges. We’re all in a position to learn from experiences, and I’m confident he’ll grow as a player.”
Eberflus had no updates regarding the status of left guard Teven Jenkins, who left the game due to an ankle injury, nor on special teams player Tarvarius Moore, who suffered a concussion during the match.
A key statistic for the Bears is their inability to convert drives into points, having converted just one third down in 14 attempts in the latest game. Over the last three games, they have managed only six conversions out of 40 attempts.
As the Bears prepare to face the Packers on Sunday, they aim to end a bleak streak of ten straight losses against their storied rivals. Having won only 3 of the last 28 matchups, including a defeat in the NFC championship game following the 2010 season, the team is eager to turn the tide.