(670 The Score) In electing to retain head coach Matt Eberflus for a third year on the job, the Bears touted their continuity as they look to emerge as a contender. But at the same time, they also enacted great change on their coaching staff.
On Jan. 10, the Bears fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and four other offensive assistants. Twelve days later, the Bears on Monday tabbed former Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to replace Getsy. Now, Eberflus is focused on rounding out the rest of his coaching staff with hires who can help the developmental track of the team.
The Bears need to hire a quarterbacks coach, a running backs coach and wide receivers coach on offense. They also need to select their next defensive coordinator, a position that has been vacant since Alan Williams abruptly resigned in September.
"Really looking just to enhance the staff," Eberflus said. "It's got to be a good fit. But you're looking for an All-Star staff on both sides."
While Eberflus' job security may be a concern for some prospective coaching hires, the Bears landed one of their top candidates for offensive coordinator in Waldron, who was among the first individuals whom Chicago targeted in its search. Waldon should offer scheme continuity while also bringing in new concepts. His appointment is a sign that there's belief in Chicago's direction rather than concern over Eberflus' future.
Under Waldron's guidance, the Bears can maintain their outside-zone running scheme that they also utilized with Getsy. Given how general manager Ryan Poles has overhauled much of the offense personnel to fit that style of play, maintaining the same system was important.
Waldron is expected to have input in who will become the Bears' next quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach, which are critical hires given the team's looming decision at quarterback this offseason.
"You want to have somebody that's a great teacher," Eberflus said. "I think that's important because you know he has to coach the coaches to coach the position. And I think that's the No. 1 trait of any great coach."
While parting ways with five offensive coaches after the season, the Bears also retained offensive line coach Chris Morgan and tight ends coach Jim Dray.
While Waldron will have control of the Bears' offense, the team's next defensive coordinator will fill a role that's largely a complementary position alongside the defensive-minded Eberflus, who called the defensive plays following Williams' departure this past season. The Bears have requested interviews with Titans passing game coordinator Chris Harris – an eight-year NFL veteran and four-year starter at safety in Chicago – along with Tennessee defensive line coach Terrell Williams. The defensive coordinator search will likely feature several other candidates emerge as well.
Eberflus hasn't yet decided whether he'll continue calling the defense or give that responsibility to the coordinator, as he did with Williams. The Bears' defense showed strong growth last season in part due to Eberflus' work as the play-caller.
In searching for a defensive coordinator, Eberflus hopes to find a candidate who can carry forward what he and the Bears have built on that side of the ball.
"It's important that we find the right person that has great character," Eberflus said. "That's a great motivator and can be in front of the room when I'm not in there, when I'm with the offense or preparing for something else and working in other areas of the building. But that's an important piece to it."
On Tuesday afternoon, the Bears officially announced Waldron's hiring. The team's entire defensive coaching staff has remained intact as the offseason has begun, with only a coordinator hire to address.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
