New Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron preaches need for 'adaptability' but doesn't reveal anything about big quarterback decision

(670 The Score) If he does have an inkling about what’s next, new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron didn’t tip the team’s hand about its franchise-defining quarterback decision this offseason.

At his introductory press conference Thursday at Halas Hall, Waldron was guarded in his comments, notably about the quarterback position. As you’d expect, that also meant he dodged questions asking him to compare current Bears quarterback Justin Fields with USC star quarterback Caleb Williams, whom Chicago could select at No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft.

In perhaps a notable theme, Waldron even continually used the term “the quarterback” rather than state Fields’ name. Waldron also shared no specific names when directly asked about which Bears players he’s excited about coaching.

Instead, he continually stressed the need to be adaptable to whatever personnel he has.

“Just from a player’s standpoint in general, a lot of the conversation on offense revolved around adaptability,” Waldron said in response to a question about whether his interview with the Bears was focused on developing Fields or a rookie quarterback. “What can you do with different pieces of the puzzle depending on each year? Each year in this league is going to be its own individual year, and I think we’re priding ourselves on having an offensive system, a group of coaches that can adapt and adjust the scheme to the players’ skill set. Because it’s our job to first be great teachers and then second to be able to put guys in the right position, in the best position for their own individual success to lead to our team success. So a lot of the conversation revolved around not just the quarterback position – obviously that’s a starting point on offense – but how does that look for every position as a team as teams adapt each year and as players adapt each year?”

The Bears hired the 44-year-old Waldron in January after he spent the last three seasons as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. He became available for hire after Pete Carroll stepped down as head coach in Seattle.

The Seahawks were 17th in scoring and 21st in yardage in the 2023 season under the watch of Waldron, who served as the primary play-caller in Seattle.

Prior to being hired by the Seahawks, Waldron spent four seasons with the Rams, working under head coach Sean McVay. He served as the tight ends coach, quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator in Los Angeles.

As he was pressed about quarterbacks Thursday, including a question about Williams’ talent, Waldron instead spoke generally.

“From afar, mainly my impression of a lot of these quarterbacks, all the college quarterbacks, was what an unbelievable college season we just came off of with these guys,” Waldron said.