The Chicago Bears relieved former players Shane Waldron, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator of his duties earlier this week. Waldron was replaced as OC by Thomas Brown, who previously worked under Sean McVay in the NFC West. Seahawks fans were not surprised by the decision, as their own offense was ineffective under his decision last season.
Following the departure of head coach Pete Carroll, Waldron was allowed to interview elsewhere. New head coach Mike Macdonald named former Washington Huskies OC Ryan Grubb as the new game manager. Grubb was already an upgrade considering Waldron's offense in Seattle lacked identity and productivity.
Veteran Bears receiver Keenan Allen is an excellent judge of a coach's ability to successfully coordinate an offense. Allen is a six-time Pro Bowler and potential future Hall of Famer. Unfortunately for Waldron, he recently went into detail about his coaching failings.
“He was too nice a guy,” Allen said. Organized team activities, training camps, we fell into the trap of letting things go and not holding people accountable. This is a slippery slope. Just professionalism and doing things right the first time,” Allen concluded his criticism.
Why didn't it work for Shane Waldron? Keenan Allen: “Too nice a guy. OTAs, camp, we fell into the trap of letting things happen and not holding people accountable, and that's a tricky path to walk. “Just professionalism and doing things right from the start.”
H/t— Kalyn Kahler (@kalynkahler)
Waldron failed in Chicago despite having the No. 1 pick and quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams. In addition to Allen, the Bears have a strong offensive line-up with DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze and D'Andre Swift. Still, the Bears have gone just 23 straight possessions without a touchdown and are on a three-game losing streak. They are currently in last place in the NFC North Division.
The Seahawks are doing far better with Grubb as their offensive coordinator.