The Chicago Bears did the right thing Tuesday and fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who will be replaced by passing game coordinator Thomas Brown for the remainder of the 2024 season (presumably.) Brown was the Carolina Panthers' offensive coordinator in 2023.
The need to salvage Caleb Williams' rookie season before it's too late prompted the midseason shakeup; at least, that's what the masses will suggest. To me, Williams' rookie season is what you'd expect for a guy who's playing behind a terrible offensive line and, until now, under the tutelage of a bumbling idiot of an offensive coordinator. His struggles are more systemic than they are talent; Williams' film has been solid sans some reps where he holds onto the ball too long.
Remember: Three weeks ago, before the Hail Mary sin, Williams was trending as a quarterback who could challenge to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Before the Hail Mary fell into Commanders receiver Noah Brown's arms, Williams orchestrated a game-winning touchdown drive. It had a chance to be his signature moment; instead, it was the last positive series the Bears offense has managed in nearly a month.
So, here we are. Waldron and his goofy persona are out. In is Brown, who no doubt will command the locker room better than Waldron.
Check out this feature that NFL Network did on Brown when he was the Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach & tight ends coach. It shines light on how much the Bears upgraded their offense in just one move:
Who is the #Bears’ new play-caller Thomas Brown? Get to know him in this feature from his #Rams days: pic.twitter.com/RUvIiUeq8e
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 12, 2024