The Chicago Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron last week. It had to be done even if he was scapegoated by Matt Eberflus, who finds himself on much thinner ice now after firing both he and Luke Getsy all within the last 10 months.
💻 @TomPelissero
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) November 12, 2024
The @nflnetwork insider gave us the lowdown on the decision Tuesday morning by #DaBears to fire OC Shane Woldron:#NFL pic.twitter.com/NJyBSypWCV
1. Trace Armstrong is a looming presence in the Bears' front office
The perception that the Bears over relied on Trace Armstrong for both the head coach and offensive coordinator will scream cronyism since Armstrong is a former Bear. Here is the thing though. Some of the top coaching and front office candidates are likely represented by Armstrong.
When Eberflus is shown the door as expected, the top coaching candidates who are available will likely be represented by Armstrong. The Bears can't rule out that candidate because Armstrong is his agent whether the fans like it or not. Eberflus was a bad candidate and should never have been even considered in the first place. It is a matter of hiring the right candidate.
2. How much danger is Ryan Poles in?
If Ryan Poles survives this debacle caused by Eberflus, he must find the right coach for Caleb Williams. But he finds himself on shakier grounds each week.
Eberflus continues to make Poles' decision to bring him back this season look worse each week. His players are no longer buying it and neither are the fans. Eberflus, as the head coach, has reached its expiration date.
Poles had a chance to pull the plug on this disaster by firing Eberflus after the Patriots' game. Instead, the Bears fans are still forced to deal with Eberlus perhaps until the end of this season.
Poles has done a great job retooling the team. But the negatives are starting to outweigh the positives.
It is becoming difficult to ignore the role Poles played in this mess as long as Eberflus stays.
3. Thomas Brown has the chance to restore his coaching profile
Thomas Brown is the third offensive coordinator under Matt Eberflus. If something works for him, he has already worked in a less-than-ideal situation.
Brown was the Panthers' interim head coach last season but a strong showing as the Bears' offensive coordinator will have his stock raised.
After weeks of expressing their frustration with Waldron, Bears' players get their wish and have a new play-caller beginning this week against the Packers.
While Browns' work with Caleb Williams will be studied the most, his ability to utilize the strengths of the players on the Bears' roster will go a long toward toward getting the offense back on track.
4. My prediction for the Bears vs. Packers
This may not have been an ideal time to replace the offensive coordinator facing against the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers defense is much improved than last season especially in the secondary.
All eyes will be on Thomas Brown and if the offense will look different. The fans must show some patience even if it does not yield immediate results against the Packers. After all, Waldron got nine games before he was deservedly canned. The tempo and the energy throughout the game are something the Bears fans desperately want to see. If the offense can catch them off-guard, the Bears will have a chance to stay in the game.
Unfortunately, the coaching mismatch between Matt Eberflus and Matt LaFleur will be just too big to overcome. If they are not blown out, the fans should consider that a victory on its own.
Final Score: Packer 31-21