Bears OC Shane Waldron dodges questions about QB situation

The Chicago Bears introduced new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to the media for the first time since his hire on Thursday, and, of course, he was peppered with questions about the team’s quarterback situation (Justin Fields vs. Caleb Williams).

The former Seahawks play-caller toed the company line and revealed nothing about the Bears’ quarterback plan. However, he confirmed that he’s been in contact with Fields, even if it was just a casual text message exchange.

Shane Waldron said he and Justin Fields have “exchanged messages” after Waldron was hired as OC. NFL rules prevent any on-field work with coaches/players until Phase I of the offseason program, so Waldron hasn’t been able to work with any current Bears player yet, but he said he…

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) February 22, 2024

Waldron did say that the Bears’ combination of first-round picks — including the first overall, which the team is expected to use on Williams — was part of what made Chicago appealing.

OC Shane Waldron said that the Bears’ draft situation (1st and 9th) and their current mix of players made the team appealing during his interviews.

“The combination of those things was really intriguing,” he said.

He also saw a “connected organization” with Poles and Eberflus

— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) February 22, 2024

As expected, Waldron did little (nothing, actually) to help settle the Bears’ quarterback debate. Or… did he?

Maybe, just maybe, his ambiguity was a very loud and clear message.

Best question so far at the #Bears press conference introducing Shane Waldron and the other new coaches is from @CourtneyRCronin pic.twitter.com/e6KSe0FiQ8

— Barroom Network – Aldo Gandia (@BarroomNetwork) February 22, 2024

If the Chicago Bears offense is going to build around Justin Fields, Matt Eberflus (who introduced Waldron) and Waldron himself could’ve provided at least a few compliments. A few superlatives. A little wink of the eye in Fields’ direction. Something — anything — to let Fields and the fanbase know that he’s (likely) their guy.

Instead, they didn’t. Which, to me, is their way of saying the Bears’ quarterback isn’t on the roster yet, that’s coming on April 25.

And it’ll be Caleb Williams.