Chicago Bears Add Seahawks Waldon As Offensive Coordinat

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears have begun the process of rebuilding their offensive staff after hiring Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to replace Luke Getsy, who was fired after the season, the team announced on Tuesday.

Waldron was reportedly the first offensive coordinator that the Bears sought permission to speak with after firing Getsy, who never seemed to establish a quality working relationship with quarterback Justin Fields. The Bears were among the league’s worst in a number of offensive categories and almost immediately targeted the 44-year-old Waldron to take over.

"We are excited to add Shane to our coaching staff,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said in a statement released by the team on Tuesday. “I also want to thank all the candidates we spoke to throughout the interview process. This was a very exhaustive search, but in the end, I’m grateful the journey led us to Shane.

"He is a great teacher and communicator with a diverse coaching background among some of the game’s most elite head coaches. I look forward to partnering with him as we build out the rest of the staff and get him started here.”

The Bears hold the No. 1 overall draft pick in this year’s NFL Draft and many believe are leaning toward moving on from Fields in favor of USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. Waldron has spent the past three years as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator.

The Bears will be looking to replace a number of offensive coaches after firing Getsy, along with quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, running backs coach Omar Young, and tight ends coach Tim Zetts on Jan. 10.

Waldron was specifically targeted for his connection to Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVey. McVey has established a track record of helping develop top offensive coaches and Waldron spent four seasons working with McVey as a Rams assistant coach.

Now, he will get to showcase the skills that attracted the Bears to Waldron.

“I appreciate this opportunity given to me by Coach Eberflus and Ryan Poles,” Waldron said in a statement issued on Tuesday. “We can’t wait to get to work at a franchise with such a storied history and passionate fan base.“

In Seattle, Waldron worked with Russell Wilson before turning his attention to Geno Smith, who helped to spark a turnaround in offensive productivity in Seattle. This season, the Seahawks. In 2023, Seattle ranked 17th in the NFL in points per game (21.4) and 21st in yards per game (322.9).

The Bears ranked 18th (21.2) and 20th (232.2) in the league in the same categories despite adding offensive weapons like wide receiver D.J. Moore to help spark their offense.