Eberflus Unveils Surprising Insight into New OC's Appointment
With the Chicago Bears drafting quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze in the 2024 NFL Draft, their offense is poised for a significant transformation. At the helm of these changes is the team's newly appointed offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron.
Although Chicago opted for a fresh direction at offensive coordinator, head coach Matt Eberflus maintained his role. Faced with the task of selecting his next offensive coordinator, Eberflus bypassed his extensive network of NFL contacts. Instead, he chose an unconventional route by appointing Waldron, a coach with whom he had no prior interactions, as reported by Up & Adams.
«We did not know each other before,» Eberflus disclosed. «I always say your tape is your resume. I've respected his work and the way he handles his play calls. That's essentially why he was chosen.»
Despite their initial unfamiliarity, Waldron and Eberflus must collaborate effectively if the Bears are to thrive. In 2023, the team ranked 20th in the NFL, averaging 323.2 yards per game. With fresh talent at quarterback and a general boost in team capabilities, Eberflus anticipates a more robust offensive performance in 2024. He quickly recognized that Waldron was the ideal candidate to elevate Chicago's offense.
**Shane Waldron's Journey to the Bears**
Shane Waldron's career in football has been diverse, having worked under Bill Belichick as an assistant with the New England Patriots and most recently serving as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. Each role has enriched his understanding of the game and leadership on the offensive side.
His tenure with the Seahawks marked Waldron's debut as an NFL-level OC. Under his guidance in 2022, the team climbed to 13th in the league, accumulating 351.5 yards per game. Although Seattle couldn't maintain this ranking in the subsequent seasons, the Bears were impressed by Waldron's track record on film.
Notably, Waldron played a crucial role in transforming Geno Smith from a sporadic starter to a Pro Bowl quarterback in consecutive seasons.
The challenge Waldron faces with Caleb Williams is distinct; instead of reviving a career, he is tasked with molding a promising rookie into the linchpin of the Bears' offense. Waldron's system will need to highlight Williams' abilities and facilitate offensive progression.
As the 2024 season approaches, excitement is building at Soldier Field due to the Bears' revamped offense. Shane Waldron faces high expectations following Luke Getsy's tenure, yet Matt Eberflus is confident that his new, albeit unfamiliar, assistant coach is exactly what the Bears need to succeed.
| POLL | ||
8 MAI | 111 ANSWERS Eberflus Unveils Surprising Insight into New OC's Appointment Do you think Shane Waldron will improve the Bears' offense in 2024? | ||
| Yes | 99 | 89.2 % |
| No | 12 | 10.8 % |
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