Bears’ Keenan Allen Calls Former OC Shane Waldron “Too Nice” Ahead of 2024 Season
Amidst the Chicago Bears’ preparations for the upcoming 2024 season, wide receiver Keenan Allen has raised eyebrows with his comments regarding former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. In a recent interview, Allen suggested that Waldron’s “too nice” demeanor may have contributed to the team’s offensive struggles in 2023.
Waldron’s Departure
Waldron was dismissed from his position as Bears offensive coordinator in January 2024 following a disappointing season in which the team ranked near the bottom of the league in several offensive categories. The move marked the end of a two-year tenure for Waldron, who had previously worked as the Seahawks’ passing game coordinator under Pete Carroll.
Allen’s Criticism
Allen, who joined the Bears in 2023 after spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Chargers, expressed his concerns about Waldron’s approach in the interview. “I think Shane is a great coach, but he might have been too nice for this team,” Allen said. “We needed someone who was going to push us harder and hold us accountable.”
Lack of Discipline
According to Allen, Waldron’s “nice” nature led to a lack of discipline within the offense. “There were times when we would make mistakes in practice, and he wouldn’t really say anything about it,” Allen explained. “That led to a culture where guys started to get lazy and not take things as seriously as they should have.”
Offensive Struggles
The Bears’ offensive struggles in 2023 were evident in their low scoring output, averaging just 18.3 points per game. Quarterback Justin Fields, who had shown promise in his rookie season, regressed under Waldron’s leadership, throwing for only 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
New Offensive Coordinator
With Waldron’s departure, the Bears have hired former Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell as his replacement. O’Connell, who helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2022, is known for his aggressive play-calling and emphasis on accountability.
Allen’s Expectations
Allen expressed optimism about the Bears’ offense under O’Connell’s guidance. “I think Kevin is going to bring a lot of energy and toughness to this team,” Allen said. “He’s not afraid to get on guys and push them to be their best. I’m excited to see what we can do with him as our offensive coordinator.”
Conclusion
Keenan Allen’s comments have sparked a discussion about the role of discipline and accountability in NFL offenses. While some may argue that a “nice” approach can foster a positive team culture, others believe that a more demanding coach is necessary to maximize performance. The Bears will be closely watched in 2024 as they attempt to turn around their offense under new offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.