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Jaxon Smith-Njigba gives telling response when asked about new Bears offensive coordinator

Spenser Davis

By Spenser Davis

Published:

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is apparently not a big fan of new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.

Smith-Njigba played his rookie season in Seattle with Waldron as his offensive coordinator in 2023. However, Waldron left the Seahawks earlier this offseason to take the same role with the Bears.

While speaking with Mark Carman and Adam Hoge of the CHGO Bears Podcast this week, Smith-Njigba was asked for his opinion of Waldron after working with him for the past year.

Then things got awkward.

“Ummm … this is live? I’m playing,” Smith-Njigba said. “Uh, good luck to y’all. He’s a great person.”

Here’s video of Smith-Njigba’s answer:

That’s not exactly a ringing-endorsement for Waldron, who Bears’ fans are hoping will help improve the offensive significantly in 2023. Last season, Chicago finished the year ranked 22nd in offensive DVOA.

Smith-Njigba was selected No. 20 overall by Seattle in 2023 NFL Draft. He had a solid rookie season, as he caught 63 passes for 628 yards and 4 touchdowns. Perhaps with a new offensive coordinator in Seattle next season, Smith-Njigba will take another step forward in Year 2.

Spenser Davis

Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.