The Bears have dumped their offensive coordinator nine games into No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams’ career.
Shane Waldron was fired Tuesday morning after a three-game losing streak in which the rookie quarterback and the offense have floundered, scoring just 27 points during this stretch as the team has fallen to 4-5.
The final straw was a 19-3 home loss to the lowly Patriots on Sunday, in which Williams threw for just 120 yards and was sacked nine times.
Passing game coordinator Thomas Brown has been promoted to offensive coordinator.
“After evaluating our 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. This decision was well-thought-out, one that was conducted deliberately and respectfully,” Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said in a statement. “I would like to thank Shane for his efforts and wish him the best moving forward.
“Thomas is a bright offensive mind who has experience calling plays with a collaborative mindset. I look forward to his leadership over our offensive coaching staff and his plan for our players.”
Waldron, 45, was in his first season with the Bears after spending three seasons as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator.
After a rough start to the season, the Bears seemed to have some momentum as they won three straight games to move to 4-2
During that winning streak, Williams went 60-for-81 with 687 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception, adding 14 rushes for 102 yards.
But Williams, 22, has not thrown a touchdown since his four-touchdown effort against the Jaguars in Week 6 and is just 48-for-95 during Chicago’s losing streak.
Things don’t get easier for the Bears as they have three straight division games on tap.
They host the Packers on Sunday and the Vikings the following week before visiting the Lions on Thanksgiving.
