Bears Make Major Coaching Change Following Patriots Loss

The Chicago Bears’ loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday proved to be a breaking point.

Chicago announced on Tuesday that offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was “relieved of his duties” and offensive passing game coordinator Thomas Brown had 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.”

The Bears put together a putrid performance offensively on Sunday, totaling just 142 yards and picking up 1-of-14 third-down opportunities, with Waldron’s inability to scheme up protections for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams proving to be the difference. The Patriots finished with nine sacks on the afternoon, the second-most in franchise history.

Waldron becomes the second coordinator to be fired this season, joining former Las Vegas Raiders play-caller Luke Getsy — who spent the two previous seasons of his career in Chicago.