The Chicago Bears have made a significant change in their coaching staff by dismissing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. This decision comes amidst a period of persistent offensive struggles and internal unrest within the team.
The Bears are currently languishing near the bottom of the league in various offensive categories, including offensive efficiency, where they have encountered continual setbacks. Their performance metrics are particularly concerning, with the team ranking in the bottom three for yards per play at 4.3 and third down conversion percentage at 28.7%. Adding to these woes is the staggering number of sacks allowed this season, totaling 38, and the offense's failure to find the end zone in their past two games.
Waldron’s tenure was not only marred by poor on-field performance, but also by internal discord. Players within the team expressed dissatisfaction with Waldron’s strategies and leadership approach. D.J. Moore, one of the team's standout players, articulated some of the frustrations shared by his teammates: "I want to say probably when we want to call it's probably like a drive too late or like we wanted to make adjustments and we just wait till halftime to make it and then we don't get the same looks."
The issues with Waldron's leadership extended beyond the tactical realm. Off the field, concerns about a lack of rigorous accountability were voiced. Keenan Allen provided insight into Waldron's leadership style, stating, "I would say just probably he was too nice of a guy. I think during OTAs, training camp, he kind of fell into a trap of letting things go, not holding people accountable. Obviously those things lead to a slippery slope.”
Waldron’s departure followed a particularly candid meeting with the team's leadership council after a demoralizing loss to the Indianapolis Colts in September. The internal discussions highlighted the necessity for greater accountability and a reassessment of the offensive game plan. Head coach Matt Eberflus recognized the team's struggles, noting the lag in achieving desired outcomes. Eberflus acknowledged, "They just want to do more. They just want to do more. They want to be more productive. More effective. Score points for our football team. Just do more as a group and then more individually in terms of helping the group." He conceded that the requisite changes "just didn't happen in a timely fashion."
It was this acknowledgment of needed change that undoubtedly propelled the decision to part ways with Waldron, aiming to stimulate a realignment of both strategy and team morale. The decision underscores a desire within the organization to adapt and grow from a period of stagnation, and perhaps primarily, to listen to the grievances aired by the players who are yearning for a more dynamic and accountable system.
The Bears now face the task of quickly addressing these deficiencies as the season progresses. The spotlight will be on the coaching staff to mend the missteps and recalibrate the offense to better meet the team's aspirations. As the organization moves forward, the emphasis will be on implementing a more rigorous approach to accountability, fostering a strategic environment capable of reversing the current trajectory that has alarmed fans and experts alike.