Report: Bears hiring Shane Waldron as new offensive coordinator, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks

Former Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is finalizing a deal to join the Chicago Bears, adding uncertainty to quarterback Justin Fields' future.

The Chicago Bears are reportedly close to finalizing a deal with Shane Waldron, the former offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, to take over the same role in Chicago. This news comes from a report by ESPN on Monday.

Waldron was one of nine candidates interviewed by head coach Matt Eberflus and the Bears to replace Luke Getsy, who was let go on Jan. 10 after a 7-10 season.

At 44 years old, Waldron spent the last three seasons calling the plays under former Seattle head coach Pete Carroll. In 2023, the Seahawks (9-8) ranked 17th in the NFL in scoring offense and 21st in yards per game, while the Bears ranked 18th and 20th in those categories, respectively.

Waldron has strong ties to Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, having coached the Rams' tight ends in 2017 and served as the team's passing game coordinator from 2018-20.

Additionally, Waldron has connections to former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, as he began his NFL coaching career as an offensive quality control coach in 2008 and then as a tight ends coach in 2009 for New England.

Waldron will be entering a potentially uncertain situation at quarterback in Chicago, where speculation about the future of Justin Fields is widespread. The Bears hold the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, and general manager Ryan Poles has emphasized the importance of this year's first-round pick in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, which included two first-rounders and wide receiver DJ Moore. This was significant because it could be used on a franchise quarterback.

If Fields does return, he would be learning yet another offense and playing under his third offensive coordinator in four seasons, adding to the complexity of the situation.

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