The Chicago Bears have made a significant change to their coaching staff, announcing the dismissal of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron after the team suffered its third consecutive loss. This decision has sparked discussions among players, with wide receiver Keenan Allen expressing that the timing was appropriate, stating, "Better sooner than later." Allen emphasized the necessity for the team to make impactful changes, referencing the common notion of insanity as doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results.
Allen elaborated on the challenges faced under Waldron's leadership, attributing some of the difficulties to a lack of accountability within the team. He described Waldron as a 'too nice of a guy,' suggesting that during organized team activities and training camp, the Bears may have fallen into a habit of ignoring performance issues. He underscored the importance of professionalism and adhering to the correct standards right from the outset.
The Bears were initially optimistic for the 2024 season, especially after making significant roster changes that included drafting quarterback Caleb Williams first overall and securing key additions such as Allen, Rome Odunze, and D'Andre Swift alongside established players like DJ Moore and Cole Kmet. Their season began positively, highlighted by a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, which brought the team's record to 4-2. However, the season took a downturn after a last-minute Hail Mary by the Washington Commanders altered their trajectory, leading to an ongoing losing streak and raising questions about the team's offensive strategies. Following a disappointing performance in which the Bears' offense managed only 15 points against the Commanders, the struggles continued, culminating in just nine points scored against the Arizona Cardinals and three points against the New England Patriots in subsequent games. Waldron's unconventional decision to hand the ball off to backup offensive lineman Doug Kramer instead of a conventional running back at a critical moment only added to the growing frustrations within the team, further complicating the situation for the coaching staff.
As the Bears’ performance faltered, a pattern of public dissatisfaction among players towards the coaching strategies emerged. Allen's criticism was part of a larger discourse on the coaching staff's effectiveness, prompting speculation about the future. The veteran wide receiver himself is experiencing a down season, accumulating just 241 yards over seven games, averaging a career-low 9.3 yards per catch. Without a single player exceeding three touchdown receptions, the Chicago offense faces mounting pressure to perform. As the Bears transition to a new offensive coordinator, with the potential appointment of passing game coordinator Thomas Brown, the hope is that revitalizing the unit will provide a much-needed spark. Failure to improve could lead to further changes as the organization prepares for the 2025 campaign.
