NFL

Bears fire offensive coordinator Shane Waldron

It’s about time. Sure, this was just Waldron’s first season with the Bears, but the situation in Chicago became untenable. To put it simply, somebody had to take the fall for the struggles of Caleb Williams and the offense as a whole.

It’s hard to envision — even with Waldron receiving his pink slip — Chicago’s offense reaching its potential this season. There are too many issues, starting with the offensive line. When looking at the Bears from a macro perspective, however, it’s easy to notice the need for a new head coach. That change will likely happen this offseason, and there’s plenty of pressure on Ryan Poles — or whoever makes that decision — to get the hire right.

Grade: B+

MLB

Angels sign C Travis d’Arnaud to two-year, $12 million contract

The Angels have been active in the early portion of free agency. I didn’t expect Los Angeles to target catching help — not with Logan O’Hoppe around — but the club clearly wanted a steady veteran backup. d’Arnaud, even at 35, can still play, as evidenced by his 15 home runs and 48 RBIs last season. Activity in free agency tends to produce positive short-term returns, but it’ll prove difficult for the Angels to compete in the AL West in 2025 after finishing just 63-99 last year.

Grade: C+