The Chicago Bears have begun their search for their next offensive coordinator and are starting to send request around the league.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Bears have requested an interview with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.

More request and interviews are expected to be well on the way for the highly coveted and recently open position in Chicago.

Who is Shane Waldron?

Waldron has served as the Seahawks offensive coordinator since 2021 working alongside former head coach Pete Carroll. With the Seahawks, Waldron has worked alongside quarterback Russell Wilson and quarterback Geno Smith.

Waldron helped Smith earn his first career Pro Bowl in 2022 after the veteran quarterback set career-highs in passing yards and passing touchdowns in his first season in Seattle. Waldron's Seattle offense featured the dominant wide receiver duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, who have combined for 6,231 yards and 48 touchdowns in the last three seasons.

Prior to his tenure in Seattle, Waldron served as the Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach under head coach Sean McVay. Waldron was on the staff the helped lift quarterback Jared Goff to Super Bowl LIII during his second season in the NFL. Waldron's offense also produced another 1,000 yard receiving duo in Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods in 2021. 

2023 Resume

This season, the Seahawks finished 9-8 and narrowly missed the playoffs after reaching it the season before. The Seahawks ranked 14th in passing yards per game and 17th in points per game scored. The season prior, Seattle finished ninth in points scored and 13th in total yards.

Metcalf (1,114 yards and eight touchdowns) and Lockett (894 yards and five touchdowns) each had highly productive seasons in 2023. As did rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who recorded 628 yards and four touchdowns.

Waldron's modern offensive scheme and history in successful coaching staffs has made him quite the intriguing name for team's to be after. However, it's rare to see a coordinator jump ship for another team in the same role.

Waldron will have some incentive to leave after the Seahawks announced on Wednesday that Carroll will be moved to an advisory role after spending 14 seasons as the Seahawks head coach. The change of personnel could put Waldron on the move if the Seahawks allow him to seek other opportunities.

It's a great start to the search for the Bears and we'll see what other candidates the team looks to interview in the coming days ahead.

Bears offensive coordinator candidates for 2024

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