David Shaw to the Bears? Former Stanford Coach Eyed to Fix Chicago’s Offensive Woes!
The Chicago Bears have officially identified former Stanford head coach David Shaw as one of the four known candidates for their vacant offensive coordinator position. Shaw, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished minds in football, brings a wealth of experience from both the NFL and college ranks, making him a strong contender to reshape the Bears’ struggling offense.
Shaw spent 12 seasons at the helm of Stanford’s football program, compiling an impressive 96-54 record and leading the Cardinal to three Pac-12 titles and multiple bowl victories. Known for his offensive creativity and ability to develop talent, Shaw was instrumental in turning Stanford into a national powerhouse during his tenure. His time at Stanford also saw the emergence of NFL stars like Andrew Luck, Christian McCaffrey, and Zach Ertz, further highlighting his ability to identify and nurture talent. Shaw stepped down as Stanford’s head coach in 2022 after a challenging season but left a lasting legacy as the winningest coach in the school’s history.
Following his departure from Stanford, Shaw joined the Denver Broncos in 2024 as a senior personnel executive, contributing his expertise to the team’s front office operations. Before his collegiate coaching career, Shaw worked in the NFL as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens, where he developed a reputation for his strategic approach to offensive play-calling and player development.
The Bears are in dire need of a fresh offensive identity after a disappointing 5-12 season, which led to the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus and a major overhaul of the coaching staff. While the team showed glimpses of potential with quarterback Justin Fields, inconsistencies in offensive performance and questionable play-calling hindered their progress. Shaw’s extensive experience and proven track record in building dynamic offenses could make him an ideal candidate to unlock Fields’ full potential and elevate the Bears’ offense.
David Shaw joins a short list of prominent candidates for the Bears’ offensive coordinator role, including Thomas Brown (Bears interim head coach), former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The Bears’ front office is reportedly seeking a coach who can bring a modern, adaptable offensive system that can maximize the team’s young talent while providing stability and leadership.
What sets Shaw apart is his ability to combine his football intellect with a strong emphasis on culture-building and player development. His reputation as a teacher and mentor could be exactly what the Bears need to foster long-term success. Additionally, his NFL experience gives him insight into what it takes to succeed at the professional level.
If hired, Shaw will face the challenge of improving the Bears’ offensive rankings, which were near the bottom of the league in passing yards and total offense in 2024. The organization has high hopes of developing Justin Fields into a franchise quarterback, and the addition of someone with Shaw’s expertise could be a pivotal step in that direction.
The Bears’ decision is expected to come soon, as the team is eager to finalize its coaching staff before the start of free agency and the NFL Draft. While the competition for the role remains fierce, Shaw’s blend of college and NFL experience makes him one of the most intriguing candidates in this search.