Is Chicago Bears Coach Matt Eberflus Wasting Caleb Williams' Rookie Season?

Former USC Trojans and current Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has a new offensive coordinator in the NFL after Bears coach Matt Eberflus replaced Shane Waldron. Can the move salvage Williams' rookie season?

Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus watches quarterback Caleb Williams (18) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

On Tuesday morning, Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus fired his offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. As a result, former USC Trojans star and current Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is already onto his second offensive coordinator in the NFL, in his rookie year. Chicago's Thomas Brown will take over after serving as an offensive assistant for the Bears this season.

The Bears offense has looked disjointed as a whole. In three consecutive losses, Chicago scored a combined 27 points, averaging nine points per game. Despite surrounding their rookie quarterback with weapons like wide receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, as well as tight end Cole Kmet, the Bears' offense was unable to move the ball consistently with Waldron calling plays.

Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus watches quarterback Caleb Williams (18) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“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. I would like to thank Shane for his efforts and wish him the best moving forward,” Eberflus said in the Bears' press release.

Williams has not had the smoothest start to his NFL career, but is the rookie quarterback at fault for the offense's struggles? Neither Waldron nor Williams should receive all of the blame.

Perhaps the biggest mistake was made by Eberflus when he decided to hire Waldron over current Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. A former USC analyst who worked with Williams and the Trojans, Kingsbury has found success in Washington with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, selected one pick after Williams.

Nov 10, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) reacts after a pass against the New England Patriots during the second half at Soldier Field. / Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Fans might praise Eberflus for making the smart decision and firing Waldron now instead of later, but Eberflus also hand-picked Waldron to coach his team's offense less than 12 months ago. Do the Bears trust Eberflus to hire another offensive coordinator?

Williams only has five years on his rookie contract, and Chicago has certainly failed to maximize the potential of their rookie quarterback. No matter the amount of talent or expectations, every rookie needs proper coaching and development in order to find success in the NFL. Now, Williams will have to adjust to a new offensive coordinator, potentially an entire coaching staff after the season.

The Bears can still turn their season around, but they have yet to play a divisional game in the NFC North, one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. The biggest priority should be protecting and developing their potential franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams.

Even if Chicago finishes with a losing record, the year is only a waste if Williams shows no growth or improvement.

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