(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Following several weeks of offensive futility, the Chicago Bears announced Tuesday that they have fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
With Waldron running the offense, the Bears (4-5) ranked 30th in the NFL in total offense and 24th in scoring through Sunday's 19-3 loss to the Patriots. Chicago hasn't scored a touchdown in 23 consecutive possessions.
On Monday, Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus vowed to make changes but said he wasn't ready to announce them. Eberflus said any decision on Waldron would be his alone.
"After evaluating the entire operation, I decided that it is in the best interest of our team to move in a different direction with the leadership of our offense," Eberflus said in a statement. "This decision was well thought out, one that was conducted deliberately and respectfully. I would like to thank Shane for his efforts and wish him the best moving forward."
Thomas Brown will take over playcalling duties for the Bears. Brown joined the team this year and has been serving as the passing game coordinator.
Eberflus said Brown "is a bright offensive mind who has experience calling plays with a collaborative mindset."
The Bears are set to begin what will likely be the toughest stretch of the team's schedule, starting with this weekend's matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Waldron was hired over the offseason to replace Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy. He previously spent three seasons as offensive coordinator under Pete Carroll in Seattle and was credited with helping quarterback Geno Smith go from journeyman to AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2022.
In Chicago, players urged Waldron to coach them harder after a loss at Indianapolis in Week 3. The Bears won their next three games against struggling teams, beating the Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Since then, Caleb Williams appears to be regressing. The No. 1 draft pick has completed just 48 of 95 passes during this stretch and was sacked nine times against New England, after showing signs of progress during the winning streak.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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