Da Bears

[Tiduwho]

Okay, it's been about 5 minutes since the game ended. Has Lovie been fired yet?

[Bron Yr Aur]

Lovie is not getting fired...no chance after they beat Minnesota last week.

[DMBZeppelin]

Okay, it's been about 5 minutes since the game ended. Has Lovie been fired yet?
It's not Black Monday yet.

I turned on Comcast Sportsnet and will update with whatever Lovie says during his press conference.

[MPizzle06]

Good end to a really disappointing season. Is Ron Turner unemployed yet????

[DMBZeppelin]

Lovie is not getting fired...no chance after they beat Minnesota last week.
The Vikings game didn't save his job. That win combined with this one might be enough to do it. Most people in the know said that losing to the Lions probably would of been the final nail combined with a 6-10 record.

[Bron Yr Aur]

The Vikings game didn't save his job. That win combined with this one might be enough to do it. Most people in the know said that losing to the Lions probably would of been the final nail combined with a 6-10 record.

Ok yeah. I mean, a loss this week would've definitely been bad news for Lovie.

And honestly, it's not that I don't like Lovie. He has had a pretty good record with the Bears since he's been coach. I just hope the offensive explosions the last two weeks haven't saved Ron Turner.

[DMBZeppelin]

Ok yeah. I mean, a loss this week would've definitely been bad news for Lovie.

And honestly, it's not that I don't like Lovie. He has had a pretty good record with the Bears since he's been coach. I just hope the offensive explosions the last two weeks haven't saved Ron Turner.
Here's the thing about Lovie. I don't think he's a terrible head coach. He doesn't like to have strong personalities around him. So he hired yes men as position coaches. His defensive system sucks, and we don't have the personel to run it. What really sucks about Lovie running the Tampa 2 (we're the only NFL team to run this as their base defense) is that it doesn't translate to running other schemes.

I think the main reason Lovie should go is he believes we should be a running team. You don't trade for a franchise QB to not build the offense aorund him. Every franchise QB in the NFL, the offense is designed around him. Most of the year the Bears tried to run the same offense from previous years. Then you saw in the Vikings game for the first time all year the Bears put in a moving pocket a lot. That's something Cutler has wanted to do all year. Just like he wanted Aromashadu. Again it's about designing your offense around him, and I don't think Lovie is up for it.

[thebestauntie]

So wait, I'm confused. Cutler did not throw an interception today? :confused

[DMBZeppelin]

Cutler last two games
42/71, 549 yards (7.7 YPA), 8 TD's and 1 INT (115.3 QB Rating)

[DMBZeppelin]

So wait, I'm confused. Cutler did not throw an interception today? :confused
Nope but he did throw another 4 TD's.

[thebestauntie]

Nope but he did throw another 4 TD's.
I may shed a tear.

[DMBZeppelin]

I may shed a tear.
I believe it was his 4th game this year without an interception. I'm just glad he finished the season with 27 TD's and 26 INT's.

[thebestauntie]

I believe it was his 4th game this year without an interception. I'm just glad he finished the season with 27 TD's and 26 INT's.
How did I miss those other three games?

[MPizzle06]

I believe it was his 4th game this year without an interception. I'm just glad he finished the season with 27 TD's and 26 INT's.

Amen :thumbsup:thumbsup

[BotheDMBFan]

It makes me sick that it took all this time to let Aromashadu play. Maybe if Turner is back he'll listen to Cutler about what receivers can play.

I have a better chance of working for Da Bears next year than Ron Turner.

[BotheDMBFan]

Cutler has like, a 78 QB rating, or something like that.

DA better frickin play next year. A team of B Marsh, DA, and Knox would be beautiful. Just have Hester return kicks. It will end up being Hester, Knox, Bennett, DA though.

[DMBZeppelin]

How did I miss those other three games?
You didn't see the Steelers game earlier in the year? That was a late afternoon game, but it was pretty much a national game.

0 Interception Games
Week 02: 27/38 (71.1%) 236 yards, 2 TD and 0 INT (104.7 QB Rating)
Week 04: 18/28 (64.3%) 141 yards, 2 TD and 0 INT (100.4 QB Rating)
Week 05: BYE WEEK
Week 13: 8/17 (47.1%) 143 yards, 1 TD and 0 INT (96.0 QB Rating)
Week 17: 22/36 (61.1%) 276 yards, 4 TD and 0 INT (122.0 QB Rating)

1 Interception Games
Week 03: 21/27 (77.8%) 247 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT (126.4 QB Rating)
Week 08: 17/30 (56.7%) 225 yards, 0 TD and 1 INT (66.7 QB Rating)
Week 09: 29/47 (61.7%) 369 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT (98.6 QB Rating)
Week 11: 24/43 (55.8%) 171 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT (63.2 QB Rating)
Week 16: 20/35 (57.1%) 273 yards, 4 TD and 1 INT (108.4 QB Rating)

2 Interception Games
Week 06: 27/43 (62.8%) 300 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT (79.6 QB Rating)
Week 12: 18/23 (78.3%) 147 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT (71.6 QB Rating)
Week 14: 23/36 (63.9%) 209 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT (74.9 QB Rating)

3 Interception Games
Week 07: 26/37 (70.3%) 251 yards, 1 TD and 3 INT (64.1 QB Rating)
Week 15: 10/27 (37.0%) 94 yards, 0 TD and 3 INT (7.9 QB Rating)

4 Interception Games
Week 01: 17/36 (47.2%) 277 yards, 1 TD and 4 INT (43.2 QB Rating)

5 Interception Games
Week 10: 29/52 (55.8%) 307 yards, 0 TD and 5 INT (33.6 QB Rating)

[DMBZeppelin]

Hey Zach Zaidman (670 the Score) posted this on Twitter. Regardless if he's staying or going this will not be business as usual. Lovie usually talks to the media the day after a game. During his post game tonight he said he'd talk more about the future Monday. That today they were just focused on Detroit, and all that crap. Well apparently Lovie won't be talking to the media on Monday after all.


Jerry Angelo will meet with Lovie Smith tomorrow to discuss future. Only players will be made available to media tomorrow at Halas Hall.
41 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/7348225758)from TwitterBerry (http://orangatame.com/products/twitterberry/)

Bears upper management will likely meet with the media on either Tuesday or Wednesday
37 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/7348323001)from TwitterBerry (http://orangatame.com/products/twitterberry/)


I'm very excited that upper management will meet with the media. I just wish I knew who that was. Angleo, Phillips, or even a McCaskey? I'd have to imagine whoever shows up still has a job. It makes me wonder if Lovie is actually getting fired. Lovie could easily show up Monday and say "I'm told I'll be here next year." and that be the end of it.

[BustedStuff87]

Hey Zach Zaidman (670 the Score) posted this on Twitter. Regardless if he's staying or going this will not be business as usual. Lovie usually talks to the media the day after a game. During his post game tonight he said he'd talk more about the future Monday. That today they were just focused on Detroit, and all that crap. Well apparently Lovie won't be talking to the media on Monday after all.


Jerry Angelo will meet with Lovie Smith tomorrow to discuss future. Only players will be made available to media tomorrow at Halas Hall.
41 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/7348225758)from TwitterBerry (http://orangatame.com/products/twitterberry/)

Bears upper management will likely meet with the media on either Tuesday or Wednesday
37 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/7348323001)from TwitterBerry (http://orangatame.com/products/twitterberry/)


I'm very excited that upper management will meet with the media. I just wish I knew who that was. Angleo, Phillips, or even a McCaskey? I'd have to imagine whoever shows up still has a job. It makes me wonder if Lovie is actually getting fired. Lovie could easily show up Monday and say "I'm told I'll be here next year." and that be the end of it.

It's like waiting for Christmas all over again. :monkey
I can't wait for the Turner announcement.

[DMBZeppelin]

Well coming into the week the Bears were the 10th pick in the draft, but record wise a win or a loss could give us anywhere between the 7th pick to 15th pick. Well standings wise things look like this:

1. St. Louis 1-15
2. Detroit 2-14
3. Tampa Bay 3-13
4. Washington 4-12
5. Kansas City 4-12
6. Seattle 5-11
7. Oakland 5-11
8. Cleveland 5-11
9. Buffalo 6-10
10. Miami 7-9
11. Jacksonville 7-9
12. Chicago 7-9
13. Tennessee 8-8
14. San Francisco 8-8
15. NY Giants 8-8
16. Denver 8-8
17. Carolina 8-8

Now it really sucks Carolina, San Fran, and Tennessee won today. If they joined us at 7-9 we'd probably have moved up at least a spot.

[DMBZeppelin]

So Turner said today that Forte was playing with an MCL sprain all season. If that's true then the Bears are stupid. Sit him a couple weeks and let him get healthy. Especially when the o-line was getting him killed anyways. Though to an extent I do believe it. The Forte I saw in the pre-season, and the last couple of weeks has looked different.

[DMBZeppelin]

This was in the Trib:

Bears general manager Jerry Angelo accompanied Bears owner Virginia McCaskey and one of her sons, Patrick, at Ford Field. Angelo generally sits in the press box during road games, but the three apparently watched the game from a private suite on Sunday.

[DMBZeppelin]

The Bears placed an ad in Chicago newspapers today. Here it is: http://llnw.image.cbslocal.com/27/2010/01/04/original/bears_adcroppedbigger.jpg?cachebuster=PqD2 but unless you really care about seeing the graphics here's what it says.


Bears fans,

Now that this season has drawn to a close, the entire Chicago Bears organization --- ownership, players, coaches, management and staff --- extend our sincerest gratitude to our fans.

In a season where we did not perform at our best, we are further humbled by the fact that our fans stepped up and did their part.

You played your role on the team perfectly.

You brought the passion each Sunday, you filled the stadium at every home game, you wore our colors proudly, and you demanded the same excellence this organization demands of itself.

Winning is, and always will be, our top priority and we will not rest until we bring a championship back to Chicago.

THANK YOU for your continued devotion to this team and for your steadfast support.

[BotheDMBFan]

Did an 8 year old write that?

[DMBZeppelin]

Did an 8 year old write that?

Yes.

Though I really hate that is says they care about winning a championship. If that was true Lovie's contract wouldn't be in the way. Everyone knows the only reason he may come back is because of his contract.

[UCFish]

Did an 8 year old write that?

:lol:lol:lol

[DMBZeppelin]

Oh and the Bears are going to bring in an offensive and defensive coordinator if Lovie stays. How long do you think they drag that out? I have a feeling they'll miss out on a lot of people. Most of the big head coach free agents pretty much have all of their staffs in place, or an idea of what they're going to do. I just think the Bears need to act fast whatever they're going to do.

[Tiduwho]

That ad is seriously embarassing. Who are they kidding?


I hope one of the McCaskey nincompoopts wrote that.

[monkeyman420]

So Turner said today that Forte was playing with an MCL sprain all season. If that's true then the Bears are stupid. Sit him a couple weeks and let him get healthy. Especially when the o-line was getting him killed anyways. Though to an extent I do believe it. The Forte I saw in the pre-season, and the last couple of weeks has looked different.
If that is true then the staff are a bunch of morons for letting the guy play and jeopardizing his career.

I think Lovie is staying and they go the new OC and DC route. But if that's the case, will the new DC actually be able to install his defense or will he have to run Lovie's defense? If he has to run Lovie's D then he is nothing more than a glorified play caller, and that's not going to help anything.

And as far as the Bears record and their position in the draft, who cares? They don't have a pick in the first 2 rounds thanks to the Cutler and Adams trades.

[DMBZeppelin]

I think Lovie is staying and they go the new OC and DC route. But if that's the case, will the new DC actually be able to install his defense or will he have to run Lovie's defense? If he has to run Lovie's D then he is nothing more than a glorified play caller, and that's not going to help anything.
He'd be a glorified play caller.

And as far as the Bears record and their position in the draft, who cares? They don't have a pick in the first 2 rounds thanks to the Cutler and Adams trades.
I'd rather give Denver the 11th pick instead of the 10th.

[Bron Yr Aur]

I just want to say....the idea of no football in 2011 is just delightful. I mean, *gasp* what would ESPN ever do? It would just be too damn hilarious.

[DMBZeppelin]

The Bears will hold a press conference tomorrow at 2 PM. No word on who exactly will be representing the Bears.

[Tiduwho]

Signs point to Lovie Smith returning for Bears
January 4, 2010 5:40 PM | 29 Comments | UPDATED STORY
loviemonday-ap.JPGBy Brad Biggs

The Bears are holding off on an announcement until a 2 p.m. news conference Tuesday at Halas Hall, but Lovie Smith is expected to return in 2010 for his seventh season as head coach of the team.

Smith met with team president Ted Phillips and general manager Jerry Angelo on Monday, and the sweeping changes that many fans have been hoping to see are not expected to happen. There may be changes, and Smith noted in his postgame news conference Sunday at Detroit that change comes every year, but it will be far from a housecleaning.

"It will all be covered tomorrow,'' team spokesman Scott Hagel said.

Speculation is rampant that there will be change on both sides of the ball. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner and quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton are in jeopardy based on how the team performed on offense for the first 14 games. Smith could be asked to turn over the reins to the defense after it struggled with him wearing two hats as head coach and defensive coordinator.

Photo: Lovie Smith may return as head coach but be asked to give up his defensive-coordinator duties. (Gregory Shamus/AP)
There hasn't been significant change to the offensive coaching staff since Smith fired Terry Shea after the 2004 season and brought in Turner and line coach Harry Hiestand. But he has been rolling through position coaches on defense on a nearly annual basis. Smith is on his fourth line coach and fourth secondary coach, and he has changed linebackers coaches three times. Nearly all of the assistants, including Turner and special-teams coordinator Dave Toub, are under contract through at least 2010.

Smith could be given a win-or-else mandate from management. He is signed through 2011 and with $11 million remaining on his contract, the McCaskeys were thought to be unlikely to part with the coach who took them to Super Bowl XLI three years ago. It will be interesting to see what type of role Phillips has taken in what are football decisions.

Smith is 23-25 as head coach since the Super Bowl and the Bears have missed the playoffs the last three seasons. The team got off to a 3-1 start this season with newly acquired quarterback Jay Cutler before slumping badly in losing eight of 10. The Bears rallied with wins over Minnesota and Detroit the last two weeks to finish 7-9. The team lost four games by 20 points or more for the first time since 1997, and also lost leads in the fourth quarter in close games, a problem that plagued them during a 9-7 season in 2008.

[DMBZeppelin]

It sucks so bad that Smith will be back. It almost makes me want Turner back. What if we hire the next Terry Shea and he screws up Cutler? I just have no faith that Lovie and Jerry will hire the right coordinators and position coaches.

[BotheDMBFan]

When is the press conference today?

[DMBZeppelin]

2 pm CT that's Noon for you. 670 the Score will have the whole thing live.


Also a lot of media outlets saying Ron Turner has been fired, and Marinelli will be the new DC.

[monkeyman420]

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/bears-fire-offensive-coordinator-ron-turner.html

[BotheDMBFan]

I'd actually rather the guy that just got canned from the Bills to be our DC, but I'm cool with Rod as well.

[saygdbye4134]

Wow.

the gist of lovie's talk at 2 (if he's there)....

Damn Dog....7-9....Well I'm really fucking lucky to be keeping this job. I would like to thank my agent who got me a great fucking contract, because, if i didn't have $11 million left for my last year, my ass would be out the motherfuckin' do', fo' sho'.

[Styx Cover Band]

Wow.

the gist of lovie's talk at 2 (if he's there)....

Damn Dog....7-9....Well I'm really fucking lucky to be keeping this job. I would like to thank my agent who got me a great fucking contract, because, if i didn't have $11 million left for my last year, my ass would be out the motherfuckin' do', fo' sho'.

:lol I think it will be more like this:

[slow texas drowl]We played pretty well this year. We finished 7-9, not were we wanted to be, but getting there. We will go into the off season and re-evalute things and come back and do well in OTA's and the preseason and be ready to start off the first quarter of the next season in good shape. Ron Turner and Bob Babich are fantastic Coaches and continue to coach for us. No Questions. Rex is our Quarterback [/slow texas drowl]

[cwsrule88]

damn it i wanted lovie fired but i knew the mccaskeys wouldnt do it:thumbsdow

[DMBZeppelin]

Marinelli turned down the DC promotion.

[skwormin]

Thank god Ron turner is out.

[skwormin]

Watching the press conference. Kinda boring. Lovie is boring. Da bears.

[saygdbye4134]

Marinelli turned down the DC promotion.

Wow. that dude shouldn't be turning down a promotion at McDonalds after his Detriot Debacle.

How I miss thee, Ron Rivera.

[saygdbye4134]

:lol I think it will be more like this:

[slow texas drowl]We played pretty well this year. We finished 7-9, not were we wanted to be, but getting there. We will go into the off season and re-evalute things and come back and do well in OTA's and the preseason and be ready to start off the first quarter of the next season in good shape. Ron Turner and Bob Babich are fantastic Coaches and continue to coach for us. No Questions. Rex is our Quarterback [/slow texas drowl]


:lol well played.

[BustedStuff87]

I heard Shoop's looking for a OC job...

[VanHorneDog]

trade for Brandon Marshal and Tony Scheffler, do it and you haz offense.

[meatball41]

trade for Brandon Marshal and Tony Scheffler, do it and you haz offense.

i don't know if we've got enough to give Denver to pull off a trade to get Marshall but that would be HUGE if we could get him. That would allow us to put Hester back as a primary punt/kick returner and leave Marshall, Knox & Aromashodu at wide out & only need Hester as a 3rd down receiver. I think that would help out a ton.

[DMBZeppelin]

NFL.com reports Perry Fewell very likely to end up as Bears defensive coordinator.

[DMBZeppelin]

Martz wants Bears' offensive-coordinator post (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/martz-wants-bears-offensive-coordinator-post.html)

Former Rams head coach Mike Martz would like to be reunited with Lovie Smith if the Bears are interested in Martz as their offensive coordinator.

Martz told the Tribune on Tuesday he has not spoken with Smith since September, and he is sensitive about appearing as if he has campaigned for Ron Turner's job. Martz and Turner are friends, and Martz worked for Turner's brother Norv Turner in Washington.

But now that Ron Turner has been fired, Martz doesn't mind expressing his interest in the job.

"I really hope I get a phone call," he said. "I'm excited about it. Obviously, I'd love to work for Lovie. From a selfish standpoint, it would be a great situation for me. Working for someone you know and believe in would be ideal. There is real potential there."

Martz hired Smith to be his defensive coordinator in St. Louis, and the two also worked together at Arizona State. He would like to work with Jay Cutler as well as Smith.

"Cutler has more talent than anybody I've ever seen," Martz said. "When he came out I gave him the best grade of any quarterback I've ever graded. But I don't know him. Until you sit down and work with a guy, you don't really know him."

Martz also was Rod Marinelli's offensive coordinator with the Lions until Martz was fired after the 2007 season. Martz said there are no problems between he and Marinelli from his standpoint.

"I can't speak for Rod, but it was very complicated," he said. "He's a very classy guy. It was just time for me to go."

After working for the Lions, Marinelli hooked up with the 49ers for one year. He spent the 2009 season working for the NFL Network, but he was in the final year of his contract with the 49ers.

"I'd like to coach again, but the situation has to be right," Martz said. "Otherwise you go back into TV if that's available."

[Tiduwho]

God I hate Martz.......his system will not work here in Chicago. It just won't. He's failed at his last 3 jobs. FAILED. Why do people keep pretending it's the early 2000s?

[DMBZeppelin]

I DVRed the press conference. I'm watching it now. I liked this question to Jerry.

Reporter Les G.: "Jerry in 06 and 07 you had one of the greatest weapons since Gales Sayers, Devin Hester. Teams were FEARING this guy. They weren't afraid to kick to him this year. Was changing him into a full time receiver, in hind sight, a mistake?"

Jerry: "You got a great stage voice man. [pauses to laugh] I would say no, it wasn't a mistake. What we tried to do Les, we tried to get the ball more in Devin's hands. And you can't fault u... [cut off by Les]

Les G.: But has it worked?

Jerry: Well, has it worked? I think this. If Devin hadn't missed the games he'd missed. There would have been a good chance that he'd have gotten 1,000 yards as a receiver. That would have sounded good. I don't think it failed. Are you saying that being a more prolific returner was more important then what he's contributed as a receiver? That's probably a good question, but we don't that he'd continue to be a prolific returner. It's hard to be a prolifc returner for a career. Very few players have been a prolific returner for a career. It's just a very difficult job to do. Because the other guy he gets paid to do his job. There's more of a sense of urgency when Devin's back there. It becomes a little more difficult. I feel our plan for Devin is a good plan. I feel that he'll get better. How much better he's going to be as a returner. Well we'll just have to wait and see on that.

[DMBZeppelin]

Another good question.

Reporter: In Jay are you concerned/aware [hard to tell because someone coughs] that this will be his fourth coordinator in four years.

Jerry: It's a problem. We want to get out of our business. You'e right. When you look at all the good quarterbacks historically. They've had the familiarity of the system, the same coordinators. That's a real problem. We do not want to get into that hand basket. This is a very important decision. It's probably the biggest decision we've had to make since I've been here. Other then hiring the head coah. It's something that we're going to look at very hard, and I feel confident that we're going to get it right.

[DMBZeppelin]

Here's a recap of what was touched on.

Ted Philips: Starts off by saying we haven't made the playoffs in three straight years so status quo was not an option, and changes were necessary. That nobody in the organization has done a good enough job the last three years. He says he knows that some may disagree, but he feels that fastest way to improve is to keep the continuity that we've had with Jerry as GM and Lovie as head coach. That Lovie and Jerry still know what it takes to win, they know the mistakes that have been made, and both are welcoming change. When you have change you're bringing in new ideas, new energy, new passion. That will help our players become the best players that they can be.

Young players need to develop, veteran players need to play better, and we add some new talent. He looked at what the other good NFL teams do. They admit their mistakes, learn from them and learn quickly. Lovie has always had final say in his coaching staff and who plays on Sunday. He says money wasn't a factor because Lovie and Jerry understood and embraced some of the changes as difficult as they were.

After this he took questions. He basically said that Virigina and Michael are in charge. He said bringing in two new coordinators is massive change. That Lovie and Jerry both have recongized when change is necessary. The changes being made now aren't insignificant, and they'll have an immediate impact.

Jerry Angelo: Can't keep with a status quo. You have to evolve and stay ahead of the curve. Says he didn't evaluate the team as well as he should have. Says self evaluation is the hardest thing to do in this league. He asked ownership if they wanted to bring in a big name coach, and had no problem with it. But he still thinks Lovie is the right guy for the job. He says he's concerned about the defense because some games were over at half time this year. We don't have as many dominating players on defense. So we can't do all the things we've ben able to in past years. Though throughout Jerry makes sure to say that the roster isn't the problem.

This will be Jay's 4th coordinator in four years. For Jay's development he considers this the biggest decision he's had to make since hiring Lovie.

Lovie Smith: He's excited to remain head coach. He says he's staying because ownership has confidence he can get the Bears back on top. He makes it seem like it was his choice to fire Ron. He says they aren't blaming just one side of the ball for the 7-9 record. Says there's nothing wrong with the scheme he runs, and as long as he's the Bears head coach we'll be running it. Says he's open for anything on offense, but we know his philosophy is to run the football. Though he then says some of our best weapons are at receiver. Says no matter who comes in here we're going to have to be able to run the football and that's not going to change. Says we can run the football and have success. Though admits everyone was happy with the team the last two weeks, and we were more of a passing team then.

Says he wants a defensive coordinator that has a similar philosophy. Sounds mad that people don't like his scheme and says other teams run it. Talks about how it's the same scheme from 05/06 when we were a top defense. Then got offended when someone brought up the changing the status quo. Says Green Bay got in the playoffs with this scheme before they switched to their new one. Then after Mike Mulligan brought up how they've declined on 3rd down, and if teams caught up to him. Lovie says they just had a bad year.

Says we don't have to convince coaches to come here. Says an offensive person will want to come here to work with Cutler and young receivers. That a defensive guy will want to come here to work with Urlacher and Briggs. That he won't see large holes just a couple bolts that need to be tightened to fix the defense.

[DMBZeppelin]

That press conference really pissed me off. None of the three guys were on the same page. Philips didn't know what he was talking about, Jerry had to back track a lot but at least seem humbled, and Lovie Smith was cocky and arrogant.

Ted comes out saying how we're going to have massive changes. Tries to claim that this new defensive cooradinator is apart of it, and he's going to help bring new ideas and crap. His solution to massive changes? His solution to changing the status quo? CONTINUITY!?!?!?!?!?!? REALLY!?!?!??!?! Massive changes by changing nothing.

Then Jerry comes out and says it's not the roster that's the problem. That we need to develop players and coach them better. He also says that we don't have dominant players on defense. Which to me says it's a problem with talent, but I guess Jerry thinks these guys can be dominant then. He also continues the change of theme though not as strongly.

Lovie comes out and tells you everything is fine, nothing is going to change. Defensive coordinator? The guy has to go by the Lovie way, and will just be a play caller. Apparently this defense is just great. The only issue is the players apparently.

If everyone is suppose to be on the same page and work together as a team. Why can't they all tell me what the problem is? Why with Jerry was the problem coaching and the scheme not the roster. With Lovie the problem is personnel not the coaching or scheme. Again the CEO of this team said massive changes and to do this everything stays the same.

The only people who got fired today weren't Lovie guys. We kept our RB coach Tim Spencer and receivers coach Daryl Drake. Everyone who wasn't good friends with Lovie got fired. That's crap, what have either of those two done? Who has Daryl Drake made better at receiver? Arguably the best position on offense during Smith's tenure is tight end, and we fired that position coach. This is ridiculous, and I think 2010 could be a horrible season.

[DMBZeppelin]

God I hate Martz.......his system will not work here in Chicago. It just won't. He's failed at his last 3 jobs. FAILED. Why do people keep pretending it's the early 2000s?
Martz would be a horrible choice for the Bears. We don't have personel for his system, and he's not someone who'd be here long term. It also be a horrile system for Greg Olsen.

Here's my top two choices.

1. Jim Fassel - Great offensive mind, and a great quarterbacks coach. Grante he was horrible in Baltimore, but keep in mind that wasn't is offense. He was a play caller and that's not an issue that he'd have in Chicago. Unlike Martz we know Fassel will make use of Greg Olsen.

2. Jeremy Bates - Cutler trust him and he's a good young offensive mind who's worked under Gruden and Shanahan.

I just hope that we stay away from Lovie buddies, but that's probably exactly how it will turn out. My only hope that is if Lovie begs for Martz is that Cutler says no and the Bears listen. Keep in mind Martz ripped Cutler during the season. Why try to create a bad situation?

[monkeyman420]

Zeppelin, everything you said is right on the money. Ted Phillips insulted every Bears fan intelligence with the crap he spewed. Massive changes by not really changing anything. How he thinks an OC and a DC are massive changes is beyond me, especially the DC. Because as Lovie said, again, it's not the sheme that's the problem. YES IT IS you moron! When you don't have the talent to play the scheme then you need to alter the damn thing. It's not that hard, it's called coaching.

Everything Angelo said is what I expected. Same for Lovie. But he came off like a prick. He has to know that if they don't make the playoffs next year that he and Angelo are gone. Phillips should be gone as well because he clearly has no idea what he's doing, if he's doing anything at all.

So frustrating. They are basically wasting a season because they don't want to waste the money. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised, nothing is going to change with this team until the McCaskey's sell.

[DMBZeppelin]

Source: Weis intrigued by Bears job (http://espn.go.com/chicago/story?id=4799863&campaign=rss&source=CHICAGOHeadlines&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

CHICAGO -- It appears the Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi) won't have a shortage of candidates to replace Ron Turner, who was fired as offensive coordinator on Tuesday.

Former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis is interested in the possibility of coming to Chicago, and he is currently holding off pursuing a similar role with the Kansas City Chiefs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan) because of Tuesday's developments at Halas Hall, according to a source close to the Bears.

Weis was the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nwe) from 2000-04, playing a role in three Super Bowl championships. He also was the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nyj) from 1997-99.

Weis was fired as Notre Dame's head coach on Nov. 30 after a five-year record of 35-27.

Former St. Louis Rams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=stl) head coach Mike Martz also said he "absolutely" would be interested in replacing Turner.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9597) is believed to be lobbying hard for ex-Denver Broncos (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=den) quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates, who spent last season calling plays for USC.

[funksoul]

This from the morons at Bears Fans United:

Bear Fans,
There can be no doubt that your voice was heard over the past three weeks. The news conference consistently mentioned "the fans". I personally know that the website and billboard personally crossed the desk of key players inside Halas Hall.
They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery and the Chicago Bears took the play from OUR playbook. They used our tactic of a newspaper ad to apologize to you for a terrible season, in BOTH papers, the Tribune and Sun Times. We could have never afforded to do both.
We were originally quoted 4500 for a full page ad however, there was a miscommunication and the actual price was 14,500. A large price difference and we simply could not raise enough funds.
We will continue to use the contacts we have made to continue to let the Bears organization know we have not forgotten about this. We have a blog on the website that will be updated regularly along with some video stuff. We are just educated fans who love the bears but have jobs as well. Our future plans involve growing the site into a Bears fan site with news, media, and perhaps a future discussion board.
So then, what to do with the 3,800 dollars? We want to make sure all of our ducks are in a row, I's dotted and T's crossed. Despite what certain people would like you to believe, we didn't buy a yacht or throw a large party.
Thank you for your support,
BearFansUnited

:lol:lol:lol I don't even know where to begin with this gem. :lol:lol

[Tiduwho]

Source: Weis intrigued by Bears job (http://espn.go.com/chicago/story?id=4799863&campaign=rss&source=CHICAGOHeadlines&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

CHICAGO -- It appears the Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi) won't have a shortage of candidates to replace Ron Turner, who was fired as offensive coordinator on Tuesday.

Former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis is interested in the possibility of coming to Chicago, and he is currently holding off pursuing a similar role with the Kansas City Chiefs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan) because of Tuesday's developments at Halas Hall, according to a source close to the Bears.

Weis was the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nwe) from 2000-04, playing a role in three Super Bowl championships. He also was the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nyj) from 1997-99.

Weis was fired as Notre Dame's head coach on Nov. 30 after a five-year record of 35-27.

Former St. Louis Rams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=stl) head coach Mike Martz also said he "absolutely" would be interested in replacing Turner.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9597) is believed to be lobbying hard for ex-Denver Broncos (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=den) quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates, who spent last season calling plays for USC.

Please no. The only one worse than Martz is Fat Charlie Weis. Smug fat piece of crap.

[rangel0004]

Please no. The only one worse than Martz is Fat Charlie Weis. Smug fat piece of crap.

Seemed to work out pretty well in New England for Mr. Front Butt. He's definitely not fit a for a head coach position in the least bit, but he has proven that he is phenomenal as an NFL OC.

[DMBZeppelin]

This from the morons at Bears Fans United:

Bear Fans,
There can be no doubt that your voice was heard over the past three weeks. The news conference consistently mentioned "the fans". I personally know that the website and billboard personally crossed the desk of key players inside Halas Hall.
They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery and the Chicago Bears took the play from OUR playbook. They used our tactic of a newspaper ad to apologize to you for a terrible season, in BOTH papers, the Tribune and Sun Times. We could have never afforded to do both.
We were originally quoted 4500 for a full page ad however, there was a miscommunication and the actual price was 14,500. A large price difference and we simply could not raise enough funds.
We will continue to use the contacts we have made to continue to let the Bears organization know we have not forgotten about this. We have a blog on the website that will be updated regularly along with some video stuff. We are just educated fans who love the bears but have jobs as well. Our future plans involve growing the site into a Bears fan site with news, media, and perhaps a future discussion board.
So then, what to do with the 3,800 dollars? We want to make sure all of our ducks are in a row, I's dotted and T's crossed. Despite what certain people would like you to believe, we didn't buy a yacht or throw a large party.
Thank you for your support,
BearFansUnited

:lol:lol:lol I don't even know where to begin with this gem. :lol:lol
Your goal was to get Lovie and Jerry fired. You didn't get Lovie and Jerry fired. Like...? They wanted massive change and everything is the same. They deserve to have Bears in their name.

[DMBZeppelin]

Seemed to work out pretty well in New England for Mr. Front Butt. He's definitely not fit a for a head coach position in the least bit, but he has proven that he is phenomenal as an NFL OC.
But one can make the case the offense was a lot better after he left. Part of me doesn't hate the idea of Weis the football coach, but I can't get past the fact that he's still Charlie Weis the person.

[funksoul]

Your goal was to get Lovie and Jerry fired. You didn't get Lovie and Jerry fired. Like...? They wanted massive change and everything is the same. They deserve to have Bears in their name.

I personally love how they assume everytime Ted, Jerry or Lovie mentioned "the fans" meant they were personally referencing Bears Fans United. I also love the newspaper ad being their tactic. They didn't even take out a damn newspaper ad!!!!! Now they have a bunch of money and the Payton Foundation is refusing to take it.

BUT never fear they are all educated and have jobs so I am sure they will figure everything out just fine. :lol
You really can't even write this stuff. I hope this group continues so I have some comic relief every now and again. I've never seen such a collective group of dumb asses in my life.

[rangel0004]

But one can make the case the offense was a lot better after he left. Part of me doesn't hate the idea of Weis the football coach, but I can't get past the fact that he's still Charlie Weis the person.

True-but I think Randy Moss had a lot to do with that....and one can also argue that Weis helped turn Tom Brady into what he is today.

[DMBZeppelin]

I personally love how they assume everytime Ted, Jerry or Lovie mentioned "the fans" meant they were personally referencing Bears Fans United. I also love the newspaper ad being their tactic. They didn't even take out a damn newspaper ad!!!!! Now they have a bunch of money and the Payton Foundation is refusing to take it.

BUT never fear they are all educated and have jobs so I am sure they will figure everything out just fine. :lol
You really can't even write this stuff. I hope this group continues so I have some comic relief every now and again. I've never seen such a collective group of dumb asses in my life.
Nothing was better then when they called into Boers and Bernstein (though Laurence Holmes was filling in for Terry Boers). Multiple people involved trying to defend what they were doing. Bernstein brought up all the illegal things they were doing, and one of United guys called out the IRS saying they wouldn't do anything. It was because of that show that the Payton Foundation found out what was going on, and sent a letter to B&B saying they wanted nothing to do with the group.

[JTRocks]

sometimes, actually, a lot of times, I cant stand being a fan of this fucking team.

all this bullshit at the conference today was for nothing. everyones gone after next season. who gives a shit who gets hired this year?

[funksoul]

Nothing was better then when they called into Boers and Bernstein (though Laurence Holmes was filling in for Terry Boers). Multiple people involved trying to defend what they were doing. Bernstein brought up all the illegal things they were doing, and one of United guys called out the IRS saying they wouldn't do anything. It was because of that show that the Payton Foundation found out what was going on, and sent a letter to B&B saying they wanted nothing to do with the group.

Don't worry Zepp, they specifically said they are EDUCATED Bears fans.

[DMBZeppelin]

True-but I think Randy Moss had a lot to do with that....and one can also argue that Weis helped turn Tom Brady into what he is today.
Weis last year was 2004. They were 11th in passing. The next year in 2005 when Weis went to ND they were 2nd. Moss didn't come there till 2007. Though I agree Weis probably helped in Brady's development.

[DMBZeppelin]

sometimes, actually, a lot of times, I cant stand being a fan of this fucking team.

all this bullshit at the conference today was for nothing. everyones gone after next season. who gives a shit who gets hired this year?
The next head coach might be stuck with whoever we hire as our OC. It's very possible they stay through 2011. If we can get Cowher or someone that's one thing, but if all the big head coaches are gone. They might not fire Lovie after next season because if the lockout happens. They don't want to pay another coach during the lockout to do nothing.

Don't worry Zepp, they specifically said they are EDUCATED Bears fans.
Of course they are. All the uneducated ones are giving them money.

[Bron Yr Aur]

I'd prefer Bates. Take a risk. Instead, it'll probably be Martz. And guess what, we'll continue sucking, Cutler will continue to be mediocre, and they'll all get fired when their contracts are up.

[DMBZeppelin]

I'd prefer Bates. Take a risk. Instead, it'll probably be Martz. And guess what, we'll continue sucking, Cutler will continue to be mediocre, and they'll all get fired when their contracts are up.
I don't think Cutler could be mediocre with Martz as the Bears OC. I think Cutler would be awful. Because the one thing you need for that system is good route runners.

[BotheDMBFan]

I don't think Cutler could be mediocre with Martz as the Bears OC. I think Cutler would be awful. Because the one thing you need for that system is good route runners.

Three things you need in the Martz system.

1. A QB with a quick release: Check.

2. Good blocking from the guard positions: ___

3. Fast WRs with good WR IQs: ___

1/3...

[BotheDMBFan]

NFL.com reports Perry Fewell very likely to end up as Bears defensive coordinator.

Essactly what I wanted.

[DMBZeppelin]

Turn on Waddle & Silvy if you're not near a radio stream it here: http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/player?station=chicago

Ron Turner is going to be on shortly for an interview.

[DMBZeppelin]

When asked if Cutler can be a great QB he said "Time will tell." and basically went on to say in a politically correct way that there is nothing around Jay and that's why he struggled.

[DMBZeppelin]

Mike Ditka Gets Angry (http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/david-kaplan-chicago-sports/2010/01/mike-ditka-gets-angry-in-his-underwear.html#slideshow)

I recently spent some time with a good friend who I will call Al. Al is a former police officer who is now retired. Al had one of those very first satellite dishes, you know the ones that were enormous and you had to have built in your backyard?

Back then if you were watching TV via a satellite dish you not only got the program that you wanted you also got the off camera interaction while the station you were tuned to was playing commercials.

What you are about to watch is never before seen footage of former CBS anchor Johnny Morris as he anchors a post game show following a Bears victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The date is October 9, 1988 and the win moved the Bears to 5-1 with a game against the Dallas Cowboys coming up the next week.

Sit back and enjoy this one and don't miss the ending because it is a classic! Please forward this on to your friends. They won't believe it when they see it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW5va8T5qCw

[saygdbye4134]

^ dude, that was great, thanks for sharing that.

[DMBZeppelin]

Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter) Bears contact USC offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates about becoming their offensive coordinator. Bates worked in Denver with Jay Cutler.
about 6 hours ago (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter/status/7436993710)from UberTwitter (http://ubertwitter.com/)

Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter) Bears also could reach out to Univ. of Minn. OC Jedd Fisch, who also worked with Cutler in Denver. Bates and Fisch would make Cutler happy.
about 6 hours ago (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter/status/7437029957)from UberTwitter (http://ubertwitter.com/)

[Tiduwho]

Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter) Bears contact USC offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates about becoming their offensive coordinator. Bates worked in Denver with Jay Cutler.
about 6 hours ago (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter/status/7436993710)from UberTwitter (http://ubertwitter.com/)

Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter) Bears also could reach out to Univ. of Minn. OC Jedd Fisch, who also worked with Cutler in Denver. Bates and Fisch would make Cutler happy.
about 6 hours ago (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter/status/7437029957)from UberTwitter (http://ubertwitter.com/)

Sounds like a good start.

[Doors Allan Coe]

Well, atleast they are going in the right direction. It's possible this team could turn it around with a solid offseason.

Now we just need the NFL and Players Union to keep things the way they are and a BUNCH of great players could he hitting the market this offseason...

[BotheDMBFan]

I think a staff of Love, Bates, Fewell, and Toub would be pretty good. I like Fewell, he just got put in a bad situation in Buffalo. We just need O-line help. If we can get a true WR, I'd be estatic. If we're stuck with an assortment of Hester, Bennett, Knox, and Aromashadu; I can't complain too much with that either. Rome wasn't built in a day, I know that. The key to being successful next year comes down to three things:

1. Give Cutler time. If the O-line can play like they did against Minnesota on a consistent basis, this offense will click, at the very least in the passing game.
2. Stay healthy. Assuming we bring back Tinoisamoa, a LB line up of Pisa, Urlacher, and Briggs I still think could be one of the best in the league.
3. Find a couple free agents that can make the Cover 2 work. Zach will attest to this, the most important parts of the Cover 2 are the DT and FS positions. Now, at DT were kinda set. I'd like to see more from Gilbert though. Free Saftey though...find a good one that is hitting the market, and pounce on him. I like us at the corner positions, provided Tillman is alright. Bowman was shaky at times, but I believe he lead the team in INTs.

We're a young team, we'll make our fair share of mistakes. Every team does. The true test is learning how to overcome those mistakes, and win games.

[DMBZeppelin]

I think a staff of Love, Bates, Fewell, and Toub would be pretty good. I like Fewell, he just got put in a bad situation in Buffalo. We just need O-line help. If we can get a true WR, I'd be estatic. If we're stuck with an assortment of Hester, Bennett, Knox, and Aromashadu; I can't complain too much with that either. Rome wasn't built in a day, I know that. The key to being successful next year comes down to three things:
I wouldn't mind Fewell, but it really doesn't matter who we bring in. How do you think game planning will go? Lovie is the head coach and will want them to do things their way. Marinelli is assistant head coach and believes everything Lovie does. Hell Bob Babich used to be defensive coordinator for this team and is another Lovie disciple. What kind of voice will Fewell have in game planning or on game day? Lovie has already said we're going to continue to run the defense the same way. He said this at the same press conference Philips promised major change. But we're still going to play bad defense and be a running team.

The receiving core is just not good enough. It's not as bad as we once thought. You can't look at those guys and tell me we have anyone who's better then the top 30 receivers in the league.

Now, at DT were kinda set. I'd like to see more from Gilbert though.
Disagree for two reasons. Is Tommie Harris healthy? First offseason he doesn't need surgery in years. He looked ok towards the end of the season, but will it continue? We rely on him every year, and he rarely pulls through. He's the new Mike Brown. Gilbert we never let play this year. We Earl Bennetted him like we did with Jaquin. Once the playoffs were out of reach we should have let Gilbert play to know if he can be good. Oh well at least the people that made these decisions will be back.

[saygdbye4134]

Disagree for two reasons. Is Tommie Harris healthy? First offseason he doesn't need surgery in years. He looked ok towards the end of the season, but will it continue? We rely on him every year, and he rarely pulls through. He's the new Mike Brown. Gilbert we never let play this year. We Earl Bennetted him like we did with Jaquin. Once the playoffs were out of reach we should have let Gilbert play to know if he can be good. Oh well at least the people that made these decisions will be back.

I agree. But he doesn't know how to punch people in their helmets, so he can start on my team anyday.

[BotheDMBFan]

I agree. But he doesn't know how to punch people in their helmets, so he can start on my team anyday.

And he is the finest pool jumper out of er in the land.

[DMBZeppelin]

USC's Bates could be cure for what ails Cutler (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/bates.html)

The Bears' offensive-coordinator search should begin and end with USC's Jeremey Bates, according to Michael Lombardi, a longtime NFL executive and an analyst for the NFL Network and Showtime's "Inside the NFL."

Appearing Wednesday on "The Mully & Hanley Show" on WSCR-AM 670, Lombardi said Bates -- who worked with Jay Cutler in Denver as the Broncos' quarterbacks coach -- would do wonders for the Bears' QB.

"He is exactly what the Bears need right now because there is an element of toughness that he brings to the table," Lombardi said. "He is going to be able to get into the quarterback's head and he is going to be able to get into his mind. And the quarterback -- this is the key point now -- the quarterback accepts what he says as coaching."

Cutler reportedly had a cool relationship with Ron Turner, who was relieved of his offensive-coordinator duties Monday.

"Like those two kids I have in college, the hardest part of being a parent was getting them to accept that what I was saying wasn't being critical, it was just trying to help them," said Lombardi, who directed personnel departments for the Raiders and Browns and also worked for the 49ers, Eagles and Broncos. "And that's the dynamic every coach must face because players historically don't want to hear the negativity. But if they embrace the negativity and they take it as coaching instead of criticism, now you are on your way. And ultimately that's what I think Jay Cutler does with Jeremy Bates.

"Does (Bates) tell him what he wants to hear? No way. I've watched it, I've seen it. I love Jay Cutler. I think Jay Cuter can win for him. However, I do know that he needs to be coached, and coaching done the right way is not being afraid of confrontation and telling a player when he is doing something wrong."

[gocubsgo3822]

consider me not happy that lovie is back.

i want martz or weiss for OC

[Tiduwho]

consider me not happy that lovie is back.

i want martz or weiss for OC


So...the two worst candidates?

[rangel0004]

So...the two worst candidates?

I'm just curious why you think Weis is such a bad candidate? Because he was a shitty head collegefootball coach?

edit: there's nothing worse than shitty head

[BotheDMBFan]

Weis isn't a bad candidate at all. Martz is a horrible one for us though.

[myersk27]

Weis to the Chiefs....there goes that option

[rangel0004]

Fuck.

[BotheDMBFan]

Bates would be best.

[Bron Yr Aur]

Bates would undoubtedly be best. PLEASE sign this guy.

[DMBZeppelin]

I'm just curious why you think Weis is such a bad candidate? Because he was a shitty head collegefootball coach?

edit: there's nothing worse than shitty head
Outside of Brady give me an example of someone who's gotten better under Weis. It should be noted that Brady got better when he left. I'm not saying Weis is a terrible NFL coordinator. I think he could put in place a good system. I do not see his personality mixing with Lovie or Jay.

[DMBZeppelin]

Fewell appears to be good fit for Bears (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4664021/fewell-appears-to-be-good-fit-for-bears)

CHICAGO -- Perry Fewell reportedly interviewing next week for the Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi)' vacant defensive coordinator job shouldn't come as a surprise Tuesday's press conference at Halas Hall.

Lovie Smith made it very clear: He believes in his defensive system, and he would like to hire a defensive coordinator who shares his same vision.

Fewell is an obvious candidate for several reasons:



He was previously Smith's secondary coach in St. Louis (2003) and Chicago (2005).
Fewell ran almost the exact same scheme in Buffalo the past four seasons, albeit with some tweaks to the terminology.
Fewell also has worked in the past with linebackers coach Bob Babich (with the Rams and Bears) and assistant secondary coach Gill Byrd (Rams).
Speaking of Byrd, Fewell coached his son Jairus this season with the Bills, helping the younger Byrd earn Pro Bowl honors in his rookie season.
Fewell has a very good handle on the defensive roster. Brian Urlacher (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2140), Lance Briggs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4526), Hunter Hillenmeyer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4624), Charles Tillman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4493), Alex Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3632), Tommie Harris (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5539), Israel Idonije (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4996) and Nathan Vasher (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5635) all remain from 2005.
Who else better fits the criteria laid out by the Bears head coach?

[Tiduwho]

Outside of Brady give me an example of someone who's gotten better under Weis. It should be noted that Brady got better when he left. I'm not saying Weis is a terrible NFL coordinator. I think he could put in place a good system. I do not see his personality mixing with Lovie or Jay.

:thumbsup

[DMBZeppelin]

Bowen: Fewell would hold players accountable (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/bowen-fewell-would-hold-players-accountable.html)

Some of the veteran Bears players on defense have an idea of what Perry Fewell will be like if he returns after three seasons away to become the defensive coordinator. He reportedly is going to interview for the job next week.

Fewell spent one season coaching the Bears secondary in 2005 before departing to become the defensive coordinator under Dick Jauron in Buffalo.

Matt Bowen played as a safety under Fewell with the Bills in 2006 and Lovie Smith with the Rams in 2001. The Glenbard West graduate worked under both men when they were coordinators and sees Fewell as a good fit for the Bears, given Smith's declarations on Tuesday that the defense wasn't changing.

"I think they need someone to hold them accountable every play on the field, including in practice,'' said Bowen, who lives in Chicago and writes for the National Football Post. "When I say Perry is a yeller and a screamer, he's a guy who demands accountability on every play. He wants players in the proper position, using the proper leverage and playing within the system of the defense on every play. He's not afraid to call players out in meetings. If you don't play within the scheme of the defense, you don't play.

"Perry and Lovie coach the same scheme, which we know the Bears are going to stick with next season, but they do it in a different manner. Lovie is more laid-back. I don't know if I want to call him a players' coach, but they're different in the way they approach practice, the gameplan and the sideline.

"I think pro players need to be scared a little bit sometimes. I think too often pro players relax when it comes to coaching and too often they brush stuff off and say, 'I'm the player at the top level, you're just a coach.' Even in shorts in a walk-through, Perry is going to put that fear in players that you're held accountable, 'I'm still the coach and you're going to listen to me.'''

It's Bowen's opinion that Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr. went to Fewell as the interim replacement for Jauron and not special-teams coach Bobby April, who had the title of assistant head coach, because he wanted the heat turned up on the players in the locker room. It's probably one of the reasons April opted out of his contract. Considered by many to be the best special-teams coach in the league, April is a free agent.

[Tiduwho]

Bowen: Fewell would hold players accountable (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/bowen-fewell-would-hold-players-accountable.html)

Some of the veteran Bears players on defense have an idea of what Perry Fewell will be like if he returns after three seasons away to become the defensive coordinator. He reportedly is going to interview for the job next week.

Fewell spent one season coaching the Bears secondary in 2005 before departing to become the defensive coordinator under Dick Jauron in Buffalo.

Matt Bowen played as a safety under Fewell with the Bills in 2006 and Lovie Smith with the Rams in 2001. The Glenbard West graduate worked under both men when they were coordinators and sees Fewell as a good fit for the Bears, given Smith's declarations on Tuesday that the defense wasn't changing.

"I think they need someone to hold them accountable every play on the field, including in practice,'' said Bowen, who lives in Chicago and writes for the National Football Post. "When I say Perry is a yeller and a screamer, he's a guy who demands accountability on every play. He wants players in the proper position, using the proper leverage and playing within the system of the defense on every play. He's not afraid to call players out in meetings. If you don't play within the scheme of the defense, you don't play.

"Perry and Lovie coach the same scheme, which we know the Bears are going to stick with next season, but they do it in a different manner. Lovie is more laid-back. I don't know if I want to call him a players' coach, but they're different in the way they approach practice, the gameplan and the sideline.

"I think pro players need to be scared a little bit sometimes. I think too often pro players relax when it comes to coaching and too often they brush stuff off and say, 'I'm the player at the top level, you're just a coach.' Even in shorts in a walk-through, Perry is going to put that fear in players that you're held accountable, 'I'm still the coach and you're going to listen to me.'''

It's Bowen's opinion that Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr. went to Fewell as the interim replacement for Jauron and not special-teams coach Bobby April, who had the title of assistant head coach, because he wanted the heat turned up on the players in the locker room. It's probably one of the reasons April opted out of his contract. Considered by many to be the best special-teams coach in the league, April is a free agent.

I think Dave Toub would have something to say about that.

[Tiduwho]

By the way, as always Zep, thank you for all the articles and helpful Bears/Cubs insight. :thumbsup

[DMBZeppelin]

I think Dave Toub would have something to say about that.
That's EXACTLY what I thought. :thumbsup

By the way, as always Zep, thank you for all the articles and helpful Bears/Cubs insight. :thumbsup
No problem. Anything I view as news I like to post in the Cubs/Bears threads so that way we're all well informed. I know not everyone is like me and looks for all these articles. Though I don't view my insight as anything special.

[DMBZeppelin]

Bo and I were talking about this earlier. Tight end has been probably the lone great position on our offense the last few years. How does that guy get fired, but the RB and WR coaches get to stay? Well obviously the fact they're Lovie's friends is reasons why, but how do you justify that to the team?


Clark questions firing of Boras (http://espn.go.com/chicago/story?id=4802565&campaign=rss&source=CHICAGOHeadlines&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi) tight end Desmond Clark (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1932) plans to ask management why tight ends coach Rob Boras was fired on Tuesday.

Boras was one of six coaches, including offensive coordinator Ron Turner, who was let go after the Bears concluded a 7-9 season, their third straight without a playoff berth.

"Rob Boras is a great coach, and I'll be interested to see why they let him go," Clark said on "The Afternoon Saloon" on ESPN 1000. "That will be one of the questions I will ask when I get back up that way to Halas Hall.

"Hopefully when I do ask the question, they say, 'This is the reason why we let him go.' Whether I like it or not, he's gone, and I have to be prepared to have another coach next year."

Clark said the reason he didn't question losing his starting spot to Greg Olsen (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10475) before the season was out of deference to Boras.

"I think I just owe it to him to let people know what type of coach he was," Clark said. "He never stepped out in the media and said anything. He wasn't a self promoter. He was a quiet guy who came in early in the morning and got his work done and left late at night.

"This is how much respect I had for the guy: When they said I wasn't the starter anymore, and I didn't have a chance to fight for my position, you didn't hear me say a negative word about it. Although I may not have agreed with it and thought I should have had a chance to fight for my position, I didn't say anything because I didn't think my coach deserved to have to go through what would come with everything because of what I might feel or what I might say. So out of respect for him is one of the main reasons I didn't say a lot about not being able to fight for my position. Saying that, I still understand why they made Greg the starting tight end, because he is a great tight end. That's the kind of respect I have for the guy."

Clark didn't think the coaches who were fired were surprised.

"I don't think any of the offensive coaches were caught off guard," Clark said. "There was speculation during the last half of the season that the offensive coordinator for sure would be gone, and with the offensive coordinator being gone, most of the offensive coaches would have to find new jobs, too.

"So I don't think it was a surprise to him. It was more of a surprise to me. I thought they knew what kind of coach they had in Rob Boras, and I thought they would go the extra mile with at least letting him interview for the coaching position once we got a new offensive coordinator."

[BotheDMBFan]

My only guess as to why he is gone is because Da Bears don't think they have gotten out of Greg Olsen what they should have to this point. Which naturally, you blame the coach. ...Sometimes.

[Tiduwho]

That's EXACTLY what I thought. :thumbsup


No problem. Anything I view as news I like to post in the Cubs/Bears threads so that way we're all well informed. I know not everyone is like me and looks for all these articles. Though I don't view my insight as anything special.

Don't worry, I'm sure Hub Arkush doesn't mind. ;)


Haha, what he would say if he were trolling these boards......

[DMBZeppelin]

Don't worry, I'm sure Hub Arkush doesn't mind. ;)


Haha, what he would say if he were trolling these boards......
Hub is awesome minus the fact that he liked Dick Jauron too much. The stuff he's talked about on B&B dealing with the CBA the last two days is insane.

[DMBZeppelin]

My only guess as to why he is gone is because Da Bears don't think they have gotten out of Greg Olsen what they should have to this point. Which naturally, you blame the coach. ...Sometimes.
If he was being held to that standard then why isn't Daryl Drake? We were promised in 2007 that Devin Hester would be a #1 receiver. In 2007 Greg Olsen was a rookie. While not a pro bowler Olsen has been solid. His main problem is his toughness. His stats with yards after contact are horrible. He's easy to take down.

Over the last three years our tight ends have done well. Michael Gaines was the 4th tight on the Bears. He could start for a lot of teams. How many starters could Devin Hester knock off on other teams? What's been impressive about the receiving core as a whole?

[DMBZeppelin]

Colts' DB coach has credentials (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1978229,CST-SPT-bsep07.article)

As Bears coach Lovie Smith considers candidates to run his defense, he may want to exercise some patience so he can strongly consider a coach on a playoff team.

Alan Williams was a longtime assistant under Tony Dungy, working with both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Indianapolis Colts. Williams, 40, is now wrapping up his eighth season as the Colts' defensive backs coach.

He obviously knows the Tampa-2 defense, which Smith made clear Tuesday he wants to keep running here with the Bears. But Williams also has the coaching chops that Smith could be coveting.

Last season, the Colts' pass defense allowed just six touchdown passes, the lowest in NFL history during a 16-game season, and Williams helped develop sixth-round pick Antoine Bethea into a Pro Bowl safety.

But his most impressive coaching effort may have been this season. Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders, one of the defense's top players, played in only two games and cornerback Marlin Jackson only played in four. Yet the Colts' pass defense, which ranked sixth last season, finished a respectable 14th in 2009. One of the keys has been the emergence of Jacob Lacey, an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State who has intercepted three passes -- including one he returned for a touchdown -- and defended 13 other passes. Lacey has started nine of the 16 games he has played this season.

Smith indicated Tuesday that he wasn't in a rush to make a decision. But he's expected to at least hold informal talks with Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, who was the Bears' defensive backs coach in 2005.

Smith would not be allowed to speak to Williams until after the Colts' season ends. The Colts (14-2) are considered one of the Super Bowl favorites.

[DMBZeppelin]

Martz, 53-32 as a head coach, is innovative, one of the brightest minds in the game, the architect of the Super Bowl XXXIV-winning "Greatest Show on Turf," a Rams unit that featured Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk and receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt. Martz-coached offenses have been ranked lower than the top 10 in the league just once.

But he would not come without baggage.

The three-headed Rams front office of Martz, Jay Zygmunt and Charlie Armey clashed bitterly over control issues, the conflict coming to a head publicly during the 2005 season, when Martz took a medical leave of absence and was prevented from calling plays into a game by phone. Martz was fired after that season.

Most players sang his praises. But so acrimonious was the split that Armey, retired and living in Arizona, had this reaction Tuesday when asked about Martz's qualifications for the Bears' job.

"I don't think Martz would work well with Jay Cutler at all," Armey said. "He's a terrible ... coach, and he would ruin that kid like he ruined Kurt Warner and drove him out of St. Louis. He's the worst thing that could happen to any young quarterback."

At the same time, Armey said he expected Martz to end up in Chicago.

"I would guess Lovie would hire him because there's a lot of loyalty there," Armey said. "But I think it would be an absolute mistake, and it would shorten Lovie's career."

[DMBZeppelin]

Reading online articles in the Trib and Suntimes. Some things I found note worthy:

Bates is a film-room rat who isn't afraid to get in players' faces. He once got into an argument with Brandon Marshall that could be heard throughout the Broncos' facility. He, like Martz, could solve the complex riddle that has been the Bears' offense for the last several seasons. That he isn't yet seen as head coaching material may make him more attractive to Smith.
-------------------------------------
Meanwhile, ESPN (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/espn-HOC792.topic) has reported the Bears contacted USC (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/education/colleges-universities/university-of-southern-california-OREDU000019271.topic) assistant head coach Jeremy Bates for their offensive coordinator vacancy.

Bates may have an edge because of the success he had working with Jay Cutler (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/jay-cutler-PESPT0000018703.topic) in Denver.

Bates, however, is not the only candidate the team has targeted.

Other possibilities are Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, if the Packers allow him out of his contract, and Falcons quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave. Mike Martz, who was Smith's boss in St. Louis, had not been contacted as of Wednesday afternoon, but is not out of consideration.

Another candidate who could emerge is Jaguars (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/jacksonville-jaguars-ORSPT000180.topic) offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. The former head coach at Arizona State is under contract with the Jaguars but could be given his freedom.

[Bron Yr Aur]

Can't see the Packers' QB coach being a bad idea, either, if its possible. I mean, Aaron Rodgers is one of the best QB's in the NFL right now, in his second season as starter.

I don't see why we would want anything to do with the Jaguars OC....it's not like their offense is anything special.

[DMBZeppelin]

Next defensive coordinator? Meet the candidates (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-100105-bears-defensive-photos,0,7127691.photogallery)

Herm Edwards - When Lovie Smith was hired by Tampa Bay, he coached linebackers, Rod Marinelli coached defensive linemen and Edwards coached defensive backs. Edwards went on to be the head coach of the Jets and Chiefs, but he never has coordinated a defense. He was fired last year and currently works for ESPN. Edwards also worked with Bears general manager Jerry Angelo with the Bucs. He was a 10-year pro cornerback for the Eagles, Rams and Falcons. Edwards is known for his ability to express himself colorfully.

Perry Fewell - He worked with Lovie Smith (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/lovie-smith-PESPT008481.topic) in St. Louis and in Chicago as a defensive backs coach before becoming Dick Jauron's defensive coordinator in Buffalo. Fewell took over as interim coach of the Bills (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/buffalo-bills-ORSPT000034.topic) this year. In Buffalo, he coached rookie safety Jairus Byrd, son of Bears assistant Gil Byrd, to an outstanding season. Fewell would be the closest thing to Smith running his own defense. As a result, he is a front-runner for the job.

Larry Marmie - He hired Lovie Smith (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/lovie-smith-PESPT008481.topic) as an assistant when Marmie was the head coach at Arizona State, and he succeeded Smith as defensive coordinator of the Rams. Marmie also was Dave McGinnis' defensive coordinator when McGinnis was the head coach of the Cardinals. Most recently, he has been an assistant coach of the Seahawks. Marmie has 28 years of college coaching experience.

Mike Zimmer - He is expected to generate interest as a head coaching candidate because of the success of the Bengals defense this year. Zimmer was the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys and Falcons prior to becoming the coordinator of the Bengals defense. His contract is expiring at the end of the season, meaning he will be a free agent. He has run both 4-3 and 3-4 defenses. His specialty has been producing takeaways. The Bengals rallied around Zimmer this season after his wife passed away unexpectedly in October. He is a local product, having attended Lockport High School and Illinois State.

[DMBZeppelin]

Next offensive coordinator? Meet the candidates (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-100105-bears-offensive-photos,0,3645093.photogallery)

Tom Clements - The Packers quarterbacks coach has done a fine job developing Aaron Rodgers, and previously coached Elvis Grbac, Kordell Stewart and Tommy Maddox to Pro Bowl seasons. The quarterback at Notre Dame who preceded Joe Montana, Clements had a successful professional playing career in the Canadian League. Before embarking on his coaching career, he practiced law and lived in the Chicago area. His familiarity with the NFC North is a plus.

Jim Fassel - He has a proven record of getting talented quarterbacks to play to their potential, having gotten results from John Elway (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/arts-culture/john-elway-PEHST000623.topic), Phil Simms and Kerry Collins (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/kerry-collins-PESPT001403.topic), among others. Fassel has been a coordinator for the Giants (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/new-york-giants-ORSPT000197.topic), Broncos, Cardinals and Ravens (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/baltimore-ravens-ORSPT000161.topic). He also took the Giants to the Super Bowl (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/super-bowl-EVSPR000004.topic) and was voted NFL (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/nfl-ORSPT000007.topic) coach of the year in 1997. He most recently served as the head coach of the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League.

Chan Gailey - The former head coach of the Cowboys and Georgia Tech, Gailey had his greatest success as the offensive coordinator for the Steelers (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/pittsburgh-steelers-ORSPT000055.topic) in the mid 90s. He has found ways to make his offense work with different kinds of quarterbacks, from John Elway (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/arts-culture/john-elway-PEHST000623.topic) to Kordell Stewart (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/kordell-stewart-PESPT007023.topic). Gailey also worked for Dave Wannstedt as the offensive coordinator of the Dolphins (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/miami-dolphins-ORSPT000189.topic) for two seasons. Gailey has been out of work since being fired by the Chiefs three games into the season.

Mike Martz - "Mad Mike" created some of the most prolific offenses of the Super Bowl (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/super-bowl-EVSPR000004.topic) era, and has had a track record of making stars out of quarterbacks who previously were considered rank and file guys. Among the passers he has given life to with his Don Coryell-style offense are Trent Green (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/trent-green-PESPT008534.topic), Kurt Warner (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/kurt-warner-PESPT007711.topic), Marc Bulger (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/marc-bulger-PESPT000971.topic) and Jon Kitna (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/jon-kitna-PESPT003996.topic). Known for his aggressive passing game and dictating offenses, Martz can be a defensive coordinator's nightmare. He hired Lovie Smith (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/lovie-smith-PESPT008481.topic) to run his defense in St. Louis, and also was an assistant on the Arizona State staff with Smith. In his time in St. Louis, Martz helped the Rams get to two Super Bowls and win one. He since served as the offensive coordinator for the Lions (where he worked for Rod Marinelli) and the 49ers (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/san-francisco-49ers-ORSPT000057.topic). He spent the 2009 season out of football, working as an analyst for NFL (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/nfl-ORSPT000007.topic) Network.

Bill Musgrave - This is a West Coast coach who likely would run a system similar to Ron Turner's. Musgrave played in a West Coast system for the 49ers (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/san-francisco-49ers-ORSPT000057.topic) and Cowboys, and later coached the scheme as a coordinator for the Panthers and Jaguars. He is currently the Falcons' quarterbacks coach, and his work with Matt Ryan has made him a candidate for a promotion.

Al Saunders - Currently an offensive consultant for the Ravens (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/baltimore-ravens-ORSPT000161.topic), Saunders has a long history of giving defenses problems. He is a disciple of Don Coryell, having worked for Coryell and succeeded him as head coach of the Chargers. Saunders runs the Coryell offense, which would be a radical departure from the Bears (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/chicago-bears-ORSPT000036.topic) previous offense, but probably play well with Jay Cutler (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/jay-cutler-PESPT0000018703.topic) and the Bears' wide receivers. He also has been worked for a number of the preeminent minds of the game in recent years, including Joe Gibbs (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/joe-gibbs-PESPT002554.topic), Marty Schottenheimer, Dick Vermeil and Mike Martz. His Kansas City offenses were the best in the league statistically from 2002 through 2005.

Jeremy Bates - His first qualification for the job is he gets along well with Jay Cutler, having been his quarterbacks coach in Denver. But he also is known as an extremely hard working, brilliant young coach who learned a lot from Jon Gruden (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/jon-gruden-PESPT008465.topic) and Mike Shanahan. He also worked with Rod Marinelli when he was an offensive quality control coach for the Bucs (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/tampa-bay-buccaneers-ORSPT000220.topic). Bates, the son of longtime NFL (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/football/nfl-ORSPT000007.topic) assistant coach Jim Bates, currently is the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach at Southern Cal (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/education/colleges-universities/university-of-southern-california-OREDU000019271.topic). The 33-year old never has coordinated an offense at any level, and his maturity has been questioned.

[DMBZeppelin]

The above was from the Trib, but I was surprised they didn't list Jedd Fisch as an OC possibility.

[DMBZeppelin]

Bo,

You're kind of the Warner/Martz expert around here. One thing I was thinking about if we get Martz. How willing would he be to mold his offense to Cutler? Or would Cutler have to learn how to run his offense? Because we know Jay likes things like moving pockets, boot legs, ect. Where what I always saw with Martz was more traditional pocket passers. So can you give me an example of someone with Cutler's playing style in a Martz system?

[Bron Yr Aur]

Jeremy Bates plz plz plz. Fassel would be great, too.

But really, I doubt it's either one of them because Lovie might see them as a threat.

[Doors Allan Coe]

The Chicago Bears will never be the greatest show on turf. Martz would be a terrible choice.

[cwsrule88]

i think martz would be a bad fit, besides they are just going to get one of "lovie's guys" or just another yes man to lovie so nothing is really going to change im afraid

[DMBZeppelin]

i think martz would be a bad fit, besides they are just going to get one of "lovie's guys" or just another yes man to lovie so nothing is really going to change im afraid
Lovie doesn't have a lot of offense friends outside of Martz. Minus some position coaches who don't really know offense either. Lovie never ever talk about offense outside of getting off the bus running. Just says go talk to Ron.

[DMBZeppelin]

NY Daily News: Perry Fewell interviewed with Giants today and left without a contract.

[Doors Allan Coe]

NY Daily News: Perry Fewell interviewed with Giants today and left without a contract.

I honestly wouldn't mind him, Edwards, or Zimmer...

[DMBZeppelin]

Memo to Bears: Go "Fisch" (http://espn.go.com/chicago/columns/blog/_/post/4806886/name/silverman)

Mike Martz scares me. He would not make the Bears offense the "Greatest Show" on Soldier Field's slop.

I don't want Lovie's "buddy system" on defense and now on offense. I don't want the man who has been fired three times in the last five years. I don't want another former Ram to fall down in Chicago.

Martz should've been the Bears offensive coordinator in 1999 when Dave McGinnis should've been hired as the Bears head coach. The past is for cowards and losers.

Give me that Filet O' Fish, I want Jeremy Bates and Jedd Fisch. And no, not because Jay Cutler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9597) wants them.

Cutler should have say in the coordinator hiring but only if it makes sense -- his guys make sense.

Bates has been schooled by the best. His father, Jim, is an NFL lifer, and he worked with Jon Gruden in Tampa, where he won a Super Bowl. In addition, Bates has also worked with Mike Shanahan and earned his trust as play caller. This year, Bates is an assistant head coach under USC coach Pete Carroll, where he groomed Matthew Barkley. All this and the "kid" is only 33 years old. And -- oh yeah -- Cutler's best success came under Bates.

Fisch now is the offensive coordinator at the University of Minnesota. He was groomed by Brian Billick for four seasons in Baltimore and coached Brandon Marshall (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9705) and Eddie Royal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11276) with the Broncos in 2008.

I've also been assured that these two don't coddle Cutler. As Steve Young (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=13) told us, Cutler needs some tough love, much like Mike Holmgren and Steve Mariucci gave Brett Favre (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=112) in his early years. Young called Cutler Lamborghini leaking oil. It's a fixable situation. Bates and Fisch remind me of young versions of Mariucci and Gruden in Green Bay.

Lovie can have "his" guy for defensive coordinator. On offense, it's time to "go fish" and grab Bates. And perhaps Gruden would like to work with him again in 2011.


A couple of other Bears nuggets: Charlie Weis was indeed interested in speaking to the Bears before accepting the Kansas City offensive coordinator job. The Bears did not show that interest back. Meantime, while Ted Phillips feels the heat from the media in various interviews, it's nothing compared to the hot seat he's on with the McCaskey family. A few of the McCaskey boys were none too pleased to hear during the news conference on Tuesday that Phillips considered ownership to only be Virginia and Michael. This family business has many conflicts at the moment. Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo aren't the only ones who could be out of work within a year. Keep your eye on Phillips' job. My sources tell me that could be re-evaluated sooner than Angelo's and Smith's.

[DMBZeppelin]

Buddy system (http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/columns/story?columnist=isaacson_melissa&id=4805883)

There is no questioning Jeremy Bates' résumé or his football pedigree.

He is the son of a longtime NFL coach. As a freshman quarterback at Tennessee, he was tutored by Peyton Manning. He has worked under two elite NFL head coaches in Jon Gruden and Mike Shanahan. He was successful in his previous association with Jay Cutler as the Denver Broncos' quarterbacks coach. And at age 33, he is the assistant head coach of the offense and quarterbacks coach at Southern California.

Would Bates make a potentially good NFL offensive coordinator or even head coach one day?

No question there, either.

Would he be the best choice as the new offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, who have contacted him about the job?

Not necessarily, and there are several reasons.

The first one, which could be applied to many of the candidates who will come through, including the uniquely qualified Mike Martz, is that Bates is not a proponent of the running game Lovie Smith and the Bears espouse. Why Smith is so stubborn in a league in which more quarterbacks than ever before have passed for more than 4,000 yards, and with a quarterback on the roster who threw for more than 4,500 yards in 2008, is anyone's guess -- particularly when you don't have a running back on the roster you can count on to hold up that running game.

But that's another column for another day.

The fact is, Bates likes to throw the ball and on the surface, appears a good fit for Cutler, whose game he knows well enough to maximize his effectiveness. But if Smith is going to fight the love of the pass, it's reason enough to question Bates' hiring.

Another reason is an apparent strength: Bates' relationship with Cutler. Close Broncos observers said at 33 and just seven years older than Cutler, Bates' tendency was to be a little bit too much of a pal to Cutler, more a friend than a coach to the exclusion of being the type of authority figure Cutler clearly needs.

The perception in Denver and in L.A. is that Bates, for all of his football savvy, is somewhat immature and uncomfortable with media attention -- he was the first USC coach in memory to put limits on his own media access -- the last thing you want with an immature quarterback and in the intensely scrutinized job of Bears offensive coordinator.

Bates has taken a beating on USC fan message boards in his first season there. At best, said Garry Paskwietz, publisher of Wearesc.com and co-host of the Trojans' pregame radio show, "the jury is still out on Jeremy."

"You can point to a lot of things," Paskwietz said of the Trojans' uncharacteristic 9-4 regular-season finish and a year plagued by injuries. "It's not really fair to lay all the blame at Bates' feet, but the fans sure are."

Bates and offensive coordinator John Morton ran a pro-style offense with a true freshman (Matt Barkley) at quarterback. Although Bates was thought to be calling the plays (as he did in Denver in 2008, though heavily influenced and supervised by Shanahan), USC head coach Pete Carroll became much more involved with the offense as the season progressed.

"No one really knew if Jeremy was able to call his own plays all the time or completely manage the game without Pete injecting his thoughts," Paskwietz said. "A lot of times, they were tempted by the potential of Matt Barkley and relied on him too much. Was that Pete or Jeremy? We don't know. But it was a lot to put on a true freshman."

The Trojans had two running backs that averaged approximately 6 yards per carry, with Joe McKnight averaging 14 carries per game and Allen Bradford nine.

As for Bates' handling of his young quarterbacks, Paskwietz said there was no question who was in charge.

"Jeremy is a very serious, intense guy," he said. "He takes his job very seriously, and he is very detail-oriented. It's one of his strengths."

Still, fans still yearning for the glory days, seem to welcome a change.

"It just doesn't seem to be working," Paskwietz said, "and I don't think many people would shed many tears if he did leave."

Kirk Herbstreit, an analyst for ABC/ESPN, talked about the USC offense and its new coordinators this week, Bates included, and told the Orange County Register that Carroll needed to make changes on his staff.

"It didn't look like USC was in complete command at all times," Herbstreit said. "Something beyond just being young was going on there."

Cutler has spoken glowingly of Bates and no doubt is pushing for his hiring.

"Jeremy is one of the best offensive minds in football," Cutler said in a statement last year after Bates was hired at USC. "He was extremely innovative with our offense and took our playbook to the next level with some of the things he did, keeping defenses off balance and changing our look but at the same time keeping it simple for us players.

"Some of the things he did were amazing to watch. He was always watching other teams and coming up with new ideas for our offense. He helped me grow into my third NFL season and helped me reach the Pro Bowl along with some of the other goals I set for myself. As a unit, our offense became one of the most productive in the league with Jeremy calling plays. He brought a lot of excitement to the meeting room and on the field. He made me want to come to work every day and get better. Jeremy will do great things in his new role, and USC couldn't have picked a better guy."

If Bates were hired by the Bears for his first coordinator job at any level, he would be given autonomy by Smith to run the offense, and it's very possible it would be a collaborative effort with Cutler. But at a point in Cutler's development when he clearly needs coaching to correct flaws and to keep him from regressing, is that giving the quarterback too much power?

On the flip side, would a strong-willed, authoritative coach simply push Cutler away and further hinder his development? If it was the right coach, with the experience and track record Bates lacks, the Bears should take their chances.

What Cutler needs now is a football coach and a life coach, not to be surrounded with more youth. At 27, when he enters his fifth NFL season and with his ability, Cutler needs to become an elite talent. Otherwise, with a possible lockout looming in 2011, you're looking at a guy closing in on 30, with decent numbers who has never won with a reputation for being petulant. Another Jeff George in the making.

No matter how impressive the respective talents of Cutler and Bates are, in the Bears' current scenario it's not a winning combination.

[Bron Yr Aur]

Hire Ditka.

[DMBZeppelin]

Damnit, well the Seahawks fired Mora after one season. They did this because they are going to get Pete Carroll. NCAA violations mean it's almost 100% thing he'll leave. Carroll wants to take Bates with him to Seattle to run his offense. Unless the Bears really make a push for him what reason would Bates have to come here? At least in Seattle you know the coach will be there longer then 2010. Unless the Bears can convince Bates that if he does well maybe the job is his in the future.

[Tiduwho]

Damnit, well the Seahawks fired Mora after one season. They did this because they are going to get Pete Carroll. NCAA violations mean it's almost 100% thing he'll leave. Carroll wants to take Bates with him to Seattle to run his offense. Unless the Bears really make a push for him what reason would Bates have to come here? At least in Seattle you know the coach will be there longer then 2010. Unless the Bears can convince Bates that if he does well maybe the job is his in the future.

I know I'm not up to snuff on College Football happenings, but this is the first I've heard of this. :eek

[DMBZeppelin]

I know I'm not up to snuff on College Football happenings, but this is the first I've heard of this. :eek
First Bush now McKnight. Looks like the smoke could soon turn into fire, and that's why he wants to leave. Just google USC McKnight NCAA violations. Carroll interviewed with the Seahawks in LA earlier this week. After they fired Mora today they contacted the Vikes to interview Frasier for the Rooney Rule interview.

[JTRocks]

Hire Ditka.

ive always been curious to see what chicago fans reaction would be if this were to ever somehow happen (it never would). Sadly i think a lot of people would be totally behind it

[Tiduwho]

ive always been curious to see what chicago fans reaction would be if this were to ever somehow happen (it never would). Sadly i think a lot of people would be totally behind it

Ditka is like 70 now. Seriously. He looks good for it though.

[DMBZeppelin]

ive always been curious to see what chicago fans reaction would be if this were to ever somehow happen (it never would). Sadly i think a lot of people would be totally behind it
I'd take Lovie over Ditka. Though I think you're right people would be behind it.

[MPizzle06]

Damnit, well the Seahawks fired Mora after one season. They did this because they are going to get Pete Carroll. NCAA violations mean it's almost 100% thing he'll leave. Carroll wants to take Bates with him to Seattle to run his offense. Unless the Bears really make a push for him what reason would Bates have to come here? At least in Seattle you know the coach will be there longer then 2010. Unless the Bears can convince Bates that if he does well maybe the job is his in the future.

They let Weiss get away :BANG now they're letting Bates get away too?? Who are we gonna get for OC if our list is dwindling daily?? :BANG:BANG:BANG

[Tiduwho]

They let Weiss get away :BANG now they're letting Bates get away too?? Who are we gonna get for OC if our list is dwindling daily?? :BANG:BANG:BANG


You know who....a big snake just pining for the job.....that will likely lead to Cutler inflated stats while at the same time destroying him.

[AlexK79]

Sources: Seattle, Carroll agree on deal

Pete Carroll has reached an agreement in principle with the Seahawks on a deal to be their next head coach, multiple NFL sources confirmed early Saturday morning.

Carroll was fully expected to be introduced by the Seahawks as early as Monday, after the team interviewed Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier on Saturday morning.

According to league sources, Frazier met with the Seahawks in Minneapolis, satisfying the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview a minority candidate for head-coaching and senior football-operations hires.

Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke had told Frazier that Carroll definitely does not have Seattle's job. Frazier had been unwilling to talk with the Seahawks about the head-coaching vacancy if Carroll had been promised full control of the Seahawks. Multiple sources indicated he had been.

NFL Insider Adam Schefter

Schefter Check out Schefter's Insider blog Insider for more NFL coverage and analysis.

• Blog network: NFL Nation

On Friday, Jim Mora became the first Seahawks coach to be let go after just one season when the team finished 5-11.

Seattle also contacted the agent for Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, but as of Saturday morning, nothing had been set up. An interview with Rivera also would satisfy the Rooney Rule.

But the bottom line is, Carroll's agreement with Seattle is "100 percent done," one NFL source close to the situation said.

In a text message to ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Friday, Carroll said, "You know I haven't responded to a NFL question in two years."

But a league source told Mortensen that Carroll was trying to persuade USC offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates to join him in Seattle -- as opposed to Bates pursuing the same position with the Chicago Bears.

Carroll is no stranger to the NFL, having served as the head coach for the Patriots from 1997 to 1999 and for the Jets in 1994.

He was the Jets' defensive coordinator from 1990 to 1993 after stints as the defensive backs coach for the Vikings (1985-89) and Bills (1984).

Even before the deal had been agreed to in principle, the ripple effect from Carroll's pending move was reaching beyond the NFL and college ranks.

When the news broke Friday that Carroll could be headed to Seattle, USC's incoming freshman class at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio began franctically calling USC's assistant coaches.

Miller on USC

Why would Carroll leave USC for Seattle, a franchise that has been sagging since a Super Bowl appearance in 2006? ESPN.com Pac-10 blogger Ted Miller looks at potential reasons. Blog

For the rest of the day, not a single USC assistant returned a single phone call, according to sources at the game.

By Saturday afternoon, some calls had been returned.

But witnesses to the scene said players such as All-American receiver Kyle Prater and running back Dillon Baxter could not figure out what was unfolding with Carroll.

Baxter, for one, had verbally committed to USC as a high-school freshman and never looked at another school. But now that Carroll is expected to leave USC, other schools already have begun contacting the players scheduled to enroll there in the fall with hopes they will change their minds.

Prater said on NBC's broadcast Saturday of the All-American Bowl that he had spoken to Trojans passing game coordinator/receivers coach John Morton and that he would discuss things further with his family and advisers before making a decision on enrolling at USC.

Prater said he was scheduled to fly to Los Angeles to sign with the team and enroll in classes starting Monday but would now postpone the trip.

Meanwhile, the Seahawks' search for a new general manager also is under way.

Giants director of college scouting Marc Ross will interview for the vacant position Wednesday, according to John Wooten, chairman of the organization that oversees Rooney Rule compliance.

The panel, called the Fritz Pollard Alliance, agreed to allow the interview only after being given assurances Carroll would not have full control of Seattle's organization, but rather only control over the 53-man roster.

[AlexK79]

Martz: 'Everybody wants to run the ball'
January, 8, 2010

By Kevin Seifert
There’s been plenty of discussion suggesting that Southern California assistant Jeremy Bates is the leading candidate to be Chicago’s offensive coordinator. What about Mike Martz, the unemployed offensive guru who once employed Bears coach Lovie Smith in St. Louis?

In an interview with ESPN 101 in St. Louis, Martz said he has spoken with Smith on general terms this week but not specifically about the coordinator job. Martz has left no doubt he’s interested and indicated the two men will speak again soon.

Sportsradiointerviews.com spotted and transcribed the interview here. Martz called his conversation with Smith “very casual," and I thought he offered an interesting response to a question about Smith’s well-known affinity for the running game. After all, Martz is known primarily for his creativity in the passing game.

“You do what you have to do to win the game, so to speak.” Martz said. “There is certain amount of flexibility that you have to have, but that common philosophy that I think everybody wants to run the ball and run it very well. I think that is a common goal for everybody. To say that is not part of who I am, it would just be wrong. But if you go in there and you don’t have a runner for instance and you are not built like that, you don’t have enough lineman, you just got to do whatever you can do to get first downs, move the ball and score. More of a pragmatic approach…”

You can listen to the entire interview here.

Typically in these situations, the people speaking publicly about jobs are usually not the leading candidates. Martz has an outgoing personality and has been media-friendly during this process. As a media member, I'm all for that. But at the very least, it suggests Martz is pursuing the job more heavily than the Bears are pursuing him.

[DMBZeppelin]

Adam Schefter is reporting that Bates will be going to Seattle.

[AlexK79]

Adam Schefter is reporting that Bates will be going to Seattle.


David Haugh is going to have a little egg on his face now. He was writing the other day that "...if the Bears lure Bates out of SoCal to run their offense, Carroll may help pack Bates' stuff, hop into the car-pool lane and drive him to LAX (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/economy-business-finance/transportation-industry/air-transportation-industry/los-angeles-international-airport-PLTRA0000070.topic). Jay Leno (http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/entertainment/jay-leno-PECLB003008.topic) probably would miss Bates more than Carroll."

Haugh is normally my favorite Bears coverage in the city by far, but he laid a turd here. :lol

[AlexK79]

I'm sure many have seen this before, but I was watching yesterday and just had to post (or maybe re-post...) cuz it's just so fucking classic:

http://deadspin.com/5441945/mike-ditka-was-not-a-fan-of-post+game-interviews-or-pants

[DMBZeppelin]

Exclusive: Bears interview Tennessee's Jim Chaney for offensive coordinator job

I'm in San Antonio for the U.S. Army All-American game and Football Combine and have learned the Bears have interviewed University of Tennessee offensive coordinator Jim Chaney for their open offensive coordinator position, according to an excellent source.

Prior to becoming the Vols' offensive coordinator last season (he's also the tight ends coach), he spent the previous three seasons as assistant coach for the St. Louis Rams coaching the offensive line. He also coached the Rams' tight ends.

Chaney has also coached at Purdue (where he coached Saints quarterback Drew Brees and former Bears quarterback Kyle Orton) and Wyoming, schools with prolific offenses in that time.

According to his Tennessee bio, Purdue was ranked in the top 10 in the country in total offense six times under Chaney.

[DMBZeppelin]

Schefter not so sure now about Bates.

"USC OC Jeremy Bates to Seattle no sure thing just yet. Chicago still in play on him, as well as Univ of Minn OC Jedd Fisch."

[jayman414]

I am not a bears fan at all, I am actually a Packers fan, but why in the hell did the Bears ever let Thomas Jones go? He has only gotten better over the last few seasons

[AlexK79]

I am not a bears fan at all, I am actually a Packers fan, but why in the hell did the Bears ever let Thomas Jones go? He has only gotten better over the last few seasons

Because they are retarded. They let him walk for basically nothing too. (To move up a handful of spot in the 2nd round.) I have said for years that Thomas Jones is perhaps the most underrated Bears RB of all time. He was the best RB we had since Sweetness retired and never really seemed to get the love he deserved.

[Tiduwho]

I am not a bears fan at all, I am actually a Packers fan, but why in the hell did the Bears ever let Thomas Jones go? He has only gotten better over the last few seasons

THIS is what makes me madder than anything else. Bears fans are so off in their anger.


We released him. That's what it should be called. We released him. STOP SAYING WE TRADED HIM. We gained nothing. Nothing. Nothing.


WE GOT NOTHING IN THE TRADE. NOTHING. We did not get a 2nd round pick with him, because we gave up OUR OWN 2nd round pick.


We moved up a few spots, drafted Dan Bazuin, who was cut and released in no time.


WE RELEASED Thomas Jones so Ced Benson could be a bum.

[Tiduwho]

Because they are retarded. They let him walk for basically nothing too. (To move up a handful of spot in the 2nd round.) I have said for years that Thomas Jones is perhaps the most underrated Bears RB of all time. He was the best RB we had since Sweetness retired and never really seemed to get the love he deserved.


He's 2nd best since Sweetness. Neal Anderson was better (for a few seasons at least).

[1eyed_jack]

He's 2nd best since Sweetness. Neal Anderson was better (for a few seasons at least).

i still miss salaam :lol

[jayman414]

THIS is what makes me madder than anything else. Bears fans are so off in their anger.


We released him. That's what it should be called. We released him. STOP SAYING WE TRADED HIM. We gained nothing. Nothing. Nothing.


WE GOT NOTHING IN THE TRADE. NOTHING. We did not get a 2nd round pick with him, because we gave up OUR OWN 2nd round pick.


We moved up a few spots, drafted Dan Bazuin, who was cut and released in no time.


WE RELEASED Thomas Jones so Ced Benson could be a bum.



Thanks for the rant:lol But I completely get it. I have a roommate who is a Bears fan and he still talks like Jones was traded

[skwormin]

yeah we let all of our recievers go and jones. our team is retarded

[DMBZeppelin]

I am not a bears fan at all, I am actually a Packers fan, but why in the hell did the Bears ever let Thomas Jones go? He has only gotten better over the last few seasons
It was because Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones hated each other. They couldn't co-exist anymore. The Bears wanted their 4th overall pick to start. The fans and everyone in the locker room LOVED Jones. No one wanted to see Benson. So they had to get rid of Jones to hand Benson the job. So it pisses me off when Benson makes comments that he never got a chance to help the Bears win, ect. ect.

[DMBZeppelin]

Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter) Former Bills interim head coach Perry Fewell is likely to become Bears new defensive coordinator this week. He'll be in Chicago Monday.

[Bron Yr Aur]

It was because Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones hated each other. They couldn't co-exist anymore. The Bears wanted their 4th overall pick to start. The fans and everyone in the locker room LOVED Jones. No one wanted to see Benson. So they had to get rid of Jones to hand Benson the job. So it pisses me off when Benson makes comments that he never got a chance to help the Bears win, ect. ect.

Right, but can we also say that the Bears coaching staff sucks so badly that a guy who is a pro bowl caliber back with one team was one of the worst in the league with another? Seriously, part of the problem with this team over the past, say, 10 years, is that we do not get the most out of our players and we do not develop guys on offense. Right now we have a great chance to do that with guys like Knox and Aromashodu and Bennett and Forte; hopefully we don't fail yet again.

[DMBZeppelin]

Right, but can we also say that the Bears coaching staff sucks so badly that a guy who is a pro bowl caliber back with one team was one of the worst in the league with another? Seriously, part of the problem with this team over the past, say, 10 years, is that we do not get the most out of our players and we do not develop guys on offense. Right now we have a great chance to do that with guys like Knox and Aromashodu and Bennett and Forte; hopefully we don't fail yet again.
The reason Benson sucked so badly here was because he didn't want to be here. That goes beyond coaching IMO. Keep in mind that Benson likes Lovie. He's the only person he ever talks about fondly in Chicago. Ever since that practice where Benson thought the defense was out to get him he's been like that.

When he thought he might not get another chance in the NFL. That's when he decided to start working out and trying to be great. Maybe the coaches should have done a better job of trying to get through to him. At least the guys you mentioned want to be here. I wish the Bears were able to get more out Benson, but it's not like Lovie is a hard coach to play for. Everything is pretty laid back.

[DMBZeppelin]

Packers' Clements an intriguing option (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4664024/packers-clements-an-intriguing-option)

CHICAGO -- Judging by the amount of e-mail received since Monday, it appears many Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi) fans are unfamiliar with Tom Clements, a name David Haugh first brought up over a month ago on our ESPN 1000 radio show as a potential candidate for the Bears offensive coordinator job.

Since then, we've tried to give background information on Clements' impressive career on the air multiple times, but since the offensive coordinator opening is the hottest topic in town, let's do it again.

First of all, Clements is under contract with the Green Bay Packers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=gnb) (quarterbacks coach), and the Packers are probably in no rush to let a talented coach leave for the rival Bears. If Clements makes enough noise to get out of his deal, maybe Green Bay would allow it, but is there enough security in Chicago for somebody to make that move?

Mike Martz needs a job, so he would take it. Jeremy Bates is a college coach, so he would likely take it. But Clements works for a solid organization, and is held in high regard for his work with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8439). What if he comes here for one season, and then Lovie Smith gets fired? Where does that leave him? They are all questions any experienced coach ponders when contemplating a big career move.

Plus, there's also a chance the Packers go deep into the playoffs. Would the Bears wait for Clements? If the answer is yes, and if Clements and Green Bay give the green light, then he should be strongly considered for the job.

Clements has been the Packers quarterbacks coach since 2006, helping transform Rodgers into an elite passer the past two seasons. He also coached quarterbacks in Pittsburgh (2001-03), Kansas City (2000) and New Orleans (1997-99), so if the Bears are looking for an experienced hand to deal with Jay Cutler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9597); this is the guy.

Clements also served as Buffalo's offensive coordinator in 2004-05, a vital element of his resume, since hiring a play-caller with experience should be a prerequisite for Smith.

Some may view Clements as a safe choice given some of the other candidates. I view him as an intelligent choice. But are the Packers on-board with the idea?

[Tiduwho]

Stop talking about Clements, God the media is stupid. Anyone talking about him is an idiot. Only the Bears would make an asinine move like letting a coach in their system go to a rival in the division for NO REASON. (In the Bears case, a GM, HELLO!!!!!)


Honestly, why are people even TALKING ABOUT HIM like he's a candidate? He's not a candidate. He's under contract with the Packers. What a stupid waste of thought and resources.

[Tiduwho]

I'm gonna be completely honest here. While I don't really mind Jeff Dickerson on the radio, he is a fucking douchbag asshat in the media. God damn, his entire life is spent trying to get the scoop and bashing other reporters that beat him to it. I hate him.

He pretends to be an uneducated asshat. Even though David Haugh has egg on his face from the Carroll/Bates deal, he's a superior writer. JD is a jerkoff. He's your prototypical "enabler" in the media.

[Doors Allan Coe]

THIS is what makes me madder than anything else. Bears fans are so off in their anger.


We released him. That's what it should be called. We released him. STOP SAYING WE TRADED HIM. We gained nothing. Nothing. Nothing.


WE GOT NOTHING IN THE TRADE. NOTHING. We did not get a 2nd round pick with him, because we gave up OUR OWN 2nd round pick.


We moved up a few spots, drafted Dan Bazuin, who was cut and released in no time.


WE RELEASED Thomas Jones so Ced Benson could be a bum.

"On March 5, 2007 the Bears traded Jones and their second-round pick (63rd overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft to the New York Jets in exchange for their second-round pick (from the Washington Redskins) (37th overall). Following the completion of the trade, the Jets signed Jones to a four-year, $25 million extension." -wiki

[Tiduwho]

"On March 5, 2007 the Bears traded Jones and their second-round pick (63rd overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft to the New York Jets in exchange for their second-round pick (from the Washington Redskins) (37th overall). Following the completion of the trade, the Jets signed Jones to a four-year, $25 million extension." -wiki

^Missed the point of my drunken rant.

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears interested in Tennessee's Jim Chaney? (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/bears-interview-tennessees-jim-chaney.html)

Sources indicate the Bears could have interest in University of Tennessee offensive coordinator Jim Chaney for one of their open positions, though earlier reports that he had interviewed with the team were incorrect.

Prior to becoming the Vols' offensive coordinator last season (he's also the tight ends coach), he spent the previous three seasons as assistant coach for the St. Louis Rams coaching the offensive line. He also coached the Rams' tight ends.

Chaney has also coached at Purdue (where he coached Saints quarterback Drew Brees and former Bears quarterback Kyle Orton) and Wyoming, schools with prolific offenses in that time.

While Chaney reportedly has talked with the Bears about the coordinator job, his lack of NFL coordinating experience could limit his chances for that role with the Bears. He could certainly fill the tight end coaching vacancy that opened when the Bears dismissed Rob Boras, as well as coaching the offensive line.

[DMBZeppelin]

Perry Fewell has all Chicago Bears seek in a defensive coordinator (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-10-bears-perry-fewell-jan10,0,6949436.story)

Perry Fewell has worked for Lovie Smith (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/lovie-smith-PESPT008481.topic) at two stops in his career, so the men are well acquainted. But if the Bears (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/chicago-bears-ORSPT000036.topic) want to get an updated scouting report on a top candidate to be their defensive coordinator, they can turn to Jay Cutler (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/jay-cutler-PESPT0000018703.topic).

The quarterback, who no doubt has offered advice on the attributes of potential offensive coordinator candidate Jeremy Bates, could tell the Bears coach and general manager Jerry Angelo how Fewell has adapted the Cover-2 scheme the Bears run as their base defense and made life rough on him in the red zone in crunch time.

If they sat down and watched the film, they would see how Fewell dialed up three "Bonzai" blitzes on four plays at the end of the game to preserve a 30-23 Bills (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/buffalo-bills-ORSPT000034.topic) victory at Denver in Week 16 a year ago, a loss that kept Cutler out of the playoffs.

Bonzai is a zero blitz, meaning the receivers are locked up in man coverage with no safety help. Everyone else is rushing the passer. With Cutler at the Bills' 20-yard line, the Bills' defensive coordinator brought the house on first, third and fourth downs, with the final pass to Brandon Stokley (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/brandon-stokley-PESPT007058.topic) getting broken up by nickel back Reggie Corner.

It's evidence how Fewell, 47, has kept up with the times and modernized a lot of what the Bears did on defense when he was their secondary coach in 2005, the year cornerback Nathan Vasher (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/nathan-vasher-PESPT008276.topic) went to the Pro Bowl and Chris Harris (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/politics/chris-harris-PEPLT002731.topic) flourished at free safety as a rookie sixth-round draft pick.

Smith isn't looking for someone to come in and turn his scheme upside down. He's seeking a coach to work with the previous two defensive coordinators (Smith and linebackers coach Bob Babich) and assistant head coach Rod Marinelli.

League insiders believe Fewell is fit for the job based on what he did as the coordinator in Buffalo the last four seasons. Angelo used the word "evolve" in a news conference last week, and some evolution is what Fewell could bring to the scheme. After succeeding Dick Jauron as interim coach of the Bills during the season, he interviewed to be the permanent top man for them but is considered a long shot. He also interviewed for the defensive coordinator job with the Giants (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/new-york-giants-ORSPT000197.topic).

"He's sort of like the new age, how the trend is going to (Mike) Tomlin and the younger guys," said Bills free safety Jairus Byrd, who was selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. "Perry can relate to the players and he still makes jokes. He knows it is business, but he does it in a way to make it player friendly and create an environment for the guys."

Said Harris, now a captain for the Panthers: "Coach Fewell is a guy who got me ready for the NFL (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/nfl-ORSPT000007.topic) right away. He would be a great pickup for the Bears. It would be a great mix because he has a little different style than Lovie; he's not quite as calm and cool."

Fewell also isn't afraid to introduce new ideas. When the Bears were preparing to play the Falcons in Week 15 in 2005, he suggested they try some "46" defensive fronts against the Falcons, something he had seen work against them in the past. The Bears put the film on, liked the idea and went to what they called their "King" front with five linemen. They throttled Atlanta 16-3.

The Bears ranked 27th in third-down defense this season and were last in third-and-long, defined as 6 yards or more. Fewell mixes it up on third down. He will turn to two-deep, man under in those situations, a no-no to Cover-2 purists. He will use quarters coverage and combination coverages. There is more diversity to the playbook he used with the Bills.

Byrd used to baby-sit for Fewell and wife Kathleen's children when he was in high school in St. Louis and his father Gill Byrd and Fewell were under Smith on the Rams' staff. Byrd has talked to his father, the Bears' safeties coach, about the possibility Fewell will land in Chicago.

"I'm going to be sad if he leaves because I know what he has done here and I know what he is capable of doing," Byrd said. "A lot of good things."

Fewell might be the spark that has been missing for the Bears since Ron Rivera was run off after Super Bowl (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/super-bowl-EVSPR000004.topic) XLI. That's what Matt Bowen (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/matt-bowen-PESPT000744.topic), a Glenbard West graduate who played safety for Smith on the Rams and for Fewell with the Bills, believes.

"They need someone to hold them accountable every play on the field, including in practice," Bowen said. "When I say Perry is a yeller and a screamer, he's a guy who demands accountability on every play. He wants players in the proper position, using the proper leverage and playing within the system of the defense on every play. He's not afraid to call players out in meetings.

"If you don't play within the scheme of the defense, you don't play. Perry and Lovie coach the same scheme, but they do it in a different manner."

[DMBZeppelin]

Everything I've read about Fewell I like. He does seem to be someone who can bring thing back to the Cover 2 that Lovie lacks. I just want to know how much Lovie will interfere, or if Fewell will even be allowed to do anything.

[DMBZeppelin]

Even though David Haugh has egg on his face from the Carroll/Bates deal, he's a superior writer.
He referenced that in a recent article about why the Bears shouldn't get Bates.


Whether or not potential Bears offensive coordinator candidate Jeremy Bates reportedly follows USC coach Pete Carroll to Seattle, the suggestion of a continued union could mean reports of the demise of the Bates-Carroll partnership have been exaggerated.

Perhaps. The handful of sources close to USC who characterized to the Tribune and other media outlets the "frosty" relationship between Carroll and Bates after a disappointing season indeed could have overstated the problem. When an offense struggles as much as the Trojans did in 2009, in relative terms, whispers of dissent will grow around the program and Pac-10.

Or, Carroll simply could have realized that, in making the risky jump to the NFL, he needs to surround himself with as many people who know him, his system and the league. That would explain reports of Carroll's interest in old USC pal Norm Chow. (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/sources-carroll-wants-chow-not-bates-with-him.html)

Bates, who's more comfortable in the NFL after seven seasons coaching in the league, does meet the criteria. Any concerns Carroll had about the way Bates dealt with young college quarterbacks would no longer matter on an NFL staff. The 33-year-old can be as brash and direct as he wants working with a veteran such as Matt Hasselbeck.

The bottom line for the Bears is that if Bates follows Carroll -- to Seattle or to any other job -- it saves them from having to gamble on a relative unknown. Bates could blossom in Seattle. Or he could bomb. He doesn't really have a track record of being an NFL coordinator to help predict -- and that was the biggest worry from this perspective in the Bears putting so much faith in someone who hasn't done the job on his own before.

Moving forward, the Bears' contact with Mike Martz, reported by the Tribune's Dan Pompei (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-09-bears-offense-chicago-jan09,0,2972332.story), bodes well and establishes Martz as the favorite for the position given his professional and personal experience with Lovie Smith. Green Bay quarterbacks coach Tom Clements could be next to interview, depending on the outcome of Sunday's Packers-Cardinals game in Arizona.

May another mystery candidate emerge? The way the Bears have begun this process, it would be wise not to rule anything out.
Except, perhaps, Bates.

Jay Cutler may be disappointed his buddy apparently won't be joining him in Chicago. But Bears fans looking for stability should feel a little relieved.

[DMBZeppelin]

Hmmmm in that link above about Carroll wanting Chow over Bates. It had this tidbit about Chaney

David Kaplan of WGN radio and the Tribune reported this morning that University of Tennessee offensive coordinator Jim Chaney (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/bears-interview-tennessees-jim-chaney.html) may draw interest from the Bears. The Vols run the same offensive scheme that Cutler played in at Denver, something Lane Kiffin picked up when he was at USC from the Broncos.

Well yesterday Kaplan said that we interviewed him. Then today said we hadn't yet, but that we'd talk to him about the coordinator job, O-line job, or TE job. Well woudln't it make sense that if the Bears were going to hire Bates. To bring in this guy to be a position coach since he knows the offense, and still runs it in Tennessee?

[DMBZeppelin]

We knew Fewell has his interview Monday. Well according to the Tribune (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/bears-interviews-fewell-on-monday-bates-on-tuesday.html) Bates will get his interview this Tuesday. So maybe by the end of the next week we'll have our new guys in place.

[DMBZeppelin]

Jeremy Bates has strong rep as offensive mind (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-10-pompei-bears-chicago-jan10,0,3090833.column)

Jay Cutler isn't Jeremy Bates' agent, but he might deserve a cut of Bates' contract. The Bears (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/chicago-bears-ORSPT000036.topic) quarterback has been Bates' apostle, his champion and his promoter.

Cutler has been pushing the Bears to hire Bates for their offensive coordinator vacancy. Last year at this time, he was lobbying new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels to retain Bates.

McDaniels appeared willing, but Bates wanted to call plays, so he left to become the assistant head coach at Southern California. Part of what sold Bates to USC (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/education/colleges-universities/university-of-southern-california-OREDU000019271.topic) coach Pete Carroll (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/entertainment/pete-carroll-PECLB005395.topic) was Bates' development of Cutler with the Broncos.

And now with Carroll reportedly nearing a deal to coach the Seattle Seahawks (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/seattle-seahawks-ORSPT000058.topic), Bates could be on his way to the Pacific Northwest with him. But no new deal has been reached with either coach and Bates remains very much on the Bears' radar.

Near the end of the 2008 season, Cutler sang Bates' praises to Denver's Rocky Mountain News, saying the coach had done a great job making adjustments.

"We work great together," Cutler said.

Bates might not have been born to coach, but he certainly was raised to wear a whistle.

Bates was the football equivalent of an Army brat. His father, Jim Bates, spent 18 years as a college football coach and 20 years as a pro coach.

The younger Bates first was exposed to big-time football as a 5-year-old when his father took him to camp at Texas Tech. His father had just one rule.

"And if I broke it, I just couldn't come anymore, that would be it," Bates told the Colorado newspaper. "I wasn't allowed to talk. I just had to hand (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/health/human-body/hands-HHA000026.topic) him the ball when he needed it and not say a word. Just watch, listen and hand him the ball. Well, I didn't want to stay home and I didn't want to be anyplace else, so I just shut up, learned the game and did that one job."

In the decade since graduating from Rice, where he played quarterback, Bates, 33, has worked for some of the brightest coaches in football, including Jeff Fisher (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/entertainment/jeff-fisher-PECLB001709.topic), Jon Gruden (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/jon-gruden-PESPT008465.topic) and Mike Shanahan. He seems destined to be an NFL (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/nfl-ORSPT000007.topic) head coach at an early age -- the next McDaniels or Gruden.

People who know Bates say Gruden had a major influence on him. When he worked for the Buccaneers (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/tampa-bay-buccaneers-ORSPT000220.topic) under Gruden, he labored preposterously long hours, following Gruden's lead, and even picked up some of his mannerisms.

"He grew a lot under Jon," said former Bucs quarterback Shaun King (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/shaun-king-PESPT003986.topic), who worked every day with Bates. "It was a good experience for Jeremy. Jon could wear on his players, and Jeremy saw that. And he learned from it. The guys I have talked with who have played for him since love him. He's a player's coach."

King describes Bates as a football junkie who didn't have a life outside of his work.

"He was always wearing dirty, dingy sweatshirt and khakis, and he always had football plays in his hand," King said. "The thing you could see is he was really in love with football. He would do everything they let him do. You could tell right away he was going to be successful."

Gruden, who played quarterback at Dayton and also is the son of a coach, shaped Bates' offensive philosophy. Like Gruden, he believes in using a multitude of formations and pre-snap disguises. His playbook is a derivative of the West Coast offense.

One reason Cutler likes playing for Bates so much is Bates likes to air it out. He spreads the field, uses a lot of shotgun and plays multiple wide receivers. During his one season as the Broncos' play-caller in 2008, they threw the ball on 61 percent of the snaps.

He reeled it in at USC in 2009, but that might have been more to do with having a freshman quarterback.

Bates knows how to play to his team's strengths and minimize weaknesses.

"Jeremy is brilliant," said Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who recommended Bates to Shanahan in Denver after working with him on the Jets (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/new-york-jets-ORSPT000199.topic). "He's very imaginative. He comes up with a different game plan every week. He does a great job of changing the formations. He diagnoses well."

Like Cutler, Bates is gifted but rough around the edges. People who have worked with him have described him as stubborn, arrogant, defensive.

"He had that cocky, 'I know more than you' attitude," King said. "We would give him a hard time about it."

Even Cutler acknowledged he and Bates clashed.

"Yeah, we yell at each other, we get mad at each other, that's how it is," Cutler told the paper. "We're both such competitors."

Bates was criticized for USC's disappointing season, but it hasn't hurt his stock, including potentially following Carroll.

Whatever happens in the next couple of weeks, it seems Bates is certain to continue a climb that began long ago.

[DMBZeppelin]

mortreport (http://twitter.com/mortreport) Reported to ESPN that Jeremy Bates decided to definitely join Carroll in Seattle as OC and bypass Bears, in part because of longer security.
about 2 hours ago (http://twitter.com/mortreport/status/7619611031)from web

[Tiduwho]

Well yeah, who would want to come to a team with a lame duck coach? Especially when you've got the beginnings of a new regime. Carroll will have a few years with Seattle no matter what. Lovie might be out the door next year.

[DMBZeppelin]

Packers turn down Bears' request to interview QB coach (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/by-brad-biggs-first-a.html)

First, Jeremy Bates, a 33-year-old rising coaching star, turned the Bears down and then the rival Green Bay Packers sacked an effort to lure away their quarterbacks coach.

The Bears faxed a formal request for permission to meet with Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements today, a day after Green Bay's season ended in overtime at Arizona, and that request was quickly denied with general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy agreeing they didn't want their quarterbacks coach calling plays for the Bears next season, a source said.

That leaves the Bears headed toward option three, whoever that may be.

When it comes to the vacant defensive coordinator postions, the team met with first option today. The focus was on Perry Fewell, who spent the day at Halas Hall and met with coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo about becoming the third defensive coordinator in three years.

Nothing is imminent with Fewell, though, as he interviewed to become the head coach of the Buffalo Bills. Fewell served as the Bills interim coach during the second half of the season after Dick Jauron was fired, and he's already interviewed for that position. Barring an unexpected development, he will wait to make his next move until the situation in Buffalo is resolved. The Bills are believed to have a few candidates with whom they still want to meet.

Fewell interviewed with the New York Giants last Thursday about their defensive coordinator opening. No other candidates for the Bears' job have been identified at this point, and more options for all the open positions are hitting the market as other teams reshape their staffs.

Smith and Angelo will be able to reassess their plan on offense starting today. The Bears contacted Mike Martz last week and may be seeking to look over some other options now that Bates and Clements are out of play.

[BotheDMBFan]

...Why not Norm Chow?

[DMBZeppelin]

From Brad Biggs:

Source: Bears were competitive with $$$ when it came to trying to lure Jeremy Bates. It wasn't about the green.

[BustedStuff87]

From Brad Biggs:

Source: Bears were competitive with $$$ when it came to trying to lure Jeremy Bates. It wasn't about the green.

"No wayyyy. That's great. We've landed on the moon"

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears interview Bengals QB coach (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/bears-interview-bengals-qb-coach-for-coordinator-opening.html)

A new name--and potential front-runner--has emerged in the Bears' search for an offensive coordinator.

Multiple league sources said Bears coach Lovie Smith spent the day interviewing Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese, who is known for his work with Carson Palmer. The 42-year old is regarded as an up and comer and he also has been considered for other offensive coordinator jobs over the last couple of years.

Zampese is under contract with the Bengals, having just signed an extension during the season. But Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and team owner Mike Brown gave the Bears permission to interview Zampese.

It is likely the Bengals will require that the Bears move swiftly if they plan on hiring Zampese, because they will need to start a search for a replacement if he leaves.

Zampese has spent seven seasons with the Bengals. Prior to that, he worked as an assistant on the Rams staff for Mike Martz with Smith. A separate league source said Martz, figuring his chances to become Bears offensive coordinator were limited, recommended Zampese to Smith. Martz also had recommended Zampese to Lewis.

Zampese's father Ernie Zampese is a longtime NFL assistant coach and offensive coordinator who worked for the Cowboys, Chargers, Rams and Patriots.

[funksoul]

Bears interview Bengals QB coach (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/bears-interview-bengals-qb-coach-for-coordinator-opening.html)

A new name--and potential front-runner--has emerged in the Bears' search for an offensive coordinator.

Multiple league sources said Bears coach Lovie Smith spent the day interviewing Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese, who is known for his work with Carson Palmer. The 42-year old is regarded as an up and comer and he also has been considered for other offensive coordinator jobs over the last couple of years.

Zampese is under contract with the Bengals, having just signed an extension during the season. But Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and team owner Mike Brown gave the Bears permission to interview Zampese.

It is likely the Bengals will require that the Bears move swiftly if they plan on hiring Zampese, because they will need to start a search for a replacement if he leaves.

Zampese has spent seven seasons with the Bengals. Prior to that, he worked as an assistant on the Rams staff for Mike Martz with Smith. A separate league source said Martz, figuring his chances to become Bears offensive coordinator were limited, recommended Zampese to Smith. Martz also had recommended Zampese to Lewis.

Zampese's father Ernie Zampese is a longtime NFL assistant coach and offensive coordinator who worked for the Cowboys, Chargers, Rams and Patriots.

Palmer has regressed from being elite. Why would this be good?

[DMBZeppelin]

Palmer has regressed from being elite. Why would this be good?
Jeff Dickerson holds the answer to this.

Zampese, who reportedly interviewed (http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/news/story?id=4820850) for the Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi) offensive coordinator position, worked with Lovie Smith in St. Louis from 2001-02, and is held in high regard by those in the coaching community. In fact, Zampese had been considered for several offensive coordinator positions in the past, but for whatever reason, he didn't get the job.

and ESPN Chicago also had this tid bit in a seperate artcile:

Zampese, who began his tenure with the Bengals in 2003, was recommended to Bears coach Lovie Smith by Mike Martz, who also interviewed for the position, according to the report.

[DMBZeppelin]

While Green Bay wouldn't let quarterbacks coach Tom Clements interview for the job. Word out of Packerland is that general manager Ted Thompson was willing to let Clements go, but coach Mike McCarthy hit the roof at the very idea and put the kibosh on it.


The issue with Martz has nothing to do with soured relationships with the defensive line coach or the head coaches' agent or an old boss in St. Louis. It's more one of scheme. Do the Bears want to risk taking Cutler out of his preferred West Coast offense, change terminology and restart in a new scheme? They won't entertain the idea of doing that on defense, but seem more open to it on the offensive side of the ball. Coach Lovie Smith interviewed Cincinnati quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese for the offensive coordinator position on Tuesday and he's expected to meet with Cutler today. Zampese, like Martz, is a disciple of the Air Coryell offensive school. It speaks volumes that Cutler not only has stayed in town to be a part of the process, but also that the Bears are listening to his input.


Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman said earlier this week that he believes it is essential for the quarterback to be part of the hiring process with a new offensive coordinator. He was entering his third NFL season and had yet to establish himself when Dallas coach Jimmy Johnson involved him in the process of hiring Norv Turner. Aikman said he went into a meeting with Turner without ever having met him and the two worked on the white board and talked football. Johnson asked for Aikman's opinion and the quarterback signed off on the new coordinator. They won two Super Bowls together and Turner wound up presenting Aikman into the Hall of Fame.

[DMBZeppelin]

I know the Bears want Cutler and the new OC to get along. I'm sure that's part of the reason he's meeting the Bengals guy. What scares me is Cutler is probably the most qualified offensive mind in the entire Bears organization. As little as Lovie knows about offense, what are they even talking about in these interviews?

[Jake]

Cutler throw any Interceptions today?

[dmbmuskie]

Did the Bears see the Bengals passing offense this season and Palmer's regression? I cannot believe that guy still has a job in Cincy, yet along getting a possible promotion with another team.

[myersk27]

Cutler throw any Interceptions today?

just 2

[DMBZeppelin]

Did the Bears see the Bengals passing offense this season and Palmer's regression? I cannot believe that guy still has a job in Cincy, yet along getting a possible promotion with another team.
The Bears needed to be more pro-active in getting Bates, but they twiddled their thumbs and now we're hoping to find someone who understands passing.

[myersk27]

The Bears needed to be more pro-active in getting Bates, but they twiddled their thumbs and now we're hoping to find someone who understands passing.

i'm not optimistic about this search.....i see someone coming in this year, then lovie gets fired next year, a new coach comes in and replaces the OC with his own guy......this is gonna be a rough couple of years....we are gonna ruin Cutler....just like Lovie has ruined Hester

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears interview former Vikings coach Mike Tice (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/bears-interview-former-vikings-coach-mike-tice.html)

The Bears continued their quest for an improved offense today by interviewing former Vikings coach Mike Tice at Halas Hall, a league source said.

In order to speak with Tice, the Bears had to get permission from the Jaguars, as Tice is the assistant head coach in charge of tight ends in Jacksonville.

Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver announced that head coach Jack Del Rio would return for the 2010 season, but the team is considering making significant changes.

It is possible the Bears could hire Tice in a capacity other than offensive coordinator.

The Bears also finished up their two-day interview with Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese.

[BotheDMBFan]

Tice would be OK. But that's really it, just OK.

[DMBZeppelin]

Tice would be OK. But that's really it, just OK.
I disagree. Anyone who's a downgrade over Turner isn't acceptable.

[BotheDMBFan]

I disagree. Anyone who's a downgrade over Turner isn't acceptable.

I don't see him as a downgrade over Turner though. I see him as a slight upgrade, which is still not good.

How locked up is Scott Linehan?

[DMBZeppelin]

I don't see him as a downgrade over Turner though. I see him as a slight upgrade, which is still not good.
Ron Turner while not a great coordinator, he was average. He ran a basic west coast offense. Turner is better then other OC's in the league. I do not want to see Terry Shea the sequel. What style of offense does Tice even believe in?

[DMBZeppelin]

Fewell holding out for Bills' head coaching spot (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicagobears/post/_/id/4664077/fewell-holding-out-for-bills-head-coaching-spot?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

CHICAGO -- While the Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi) search to fill their vacant offensive coaching positions continues to heat up, the quest for a defensive coordinator has come to a screeching halt. The Bears may begin to speak with other candidates in the coming days, but their clear cut No. 1 choice to run the defense remains Perry Fewell.

But according to multiple sources familiar with the situation, Fewell continues to hold out hope he'll land the Buffalo Bills (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=buf) head coaching job, thereby delaying any decision regarding the defensive coordinator openings in Chicago and New York. However, there is no guarantee the Giants will continue to wait much longer for Fewell to make up his mind, so this current strategy does not come without risk.

On the other hand, the Bears may be content to sit tight if they know they'll land their guy in the end. But the longer this drags out, the less leverage Fewell may have in fielding offers from both teams, thus driving up his price. Do the Bears strike you as a franchise dumb enough to bid against themselves? This isn't Jim Hendry/Alfonso Soriano we're talking about here.

[DMBZeppelin]

Dan Pompei usually knows his stuff. So if what I'm reading in his article about Tice is true then the Bears are stupid.

"It also is possible the team will not have one person handle all of the traditional offensive coordinator responsibilities. They could divvy up the job among two or even three coaches. Tice, for instance, could be the running game coordinator while another coach could be in charge of the passing game.

What is certain is the Bears are considering all possibilities and taking their time investigating the field. They are not expected to make a decision on an offensive coordinator soon."

[BotheDMBFan]

I DO like that they seem to be REALLY analyzing the situation here.

[DMBZeppelin]

I DO like that they seem to be REALLY analyzing the situation here.
You sort of have to when all your top choices turn you down.

[DMBZeppelin]

Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter) As of this morning, Perry Fewell was planning to accept Giants DC job. Giants haven't heard from him yet, so until they do, not official.

[BotheDMBFan]

God. Fucking. Damn. It.

[DMBZeppelin]

God. Fucking. Damn. It.
:confused

It's ok Bo. I was assured by Lovie Smith that they wouldn't have to call people to come to Chicago. That people would call them. Because who wouldn't want a chance to coordinate a defense with Urlacher and Briggs? I mean obviously a guy who likes the Cover 2 and used to be on the staff would be a good fit. That must mean one thing. We didn't want to give him the job. Ya that's it.

[DMBZeppelin]

Will never happen, but I can dream.

Would Tennessee job interest Lovie Smith? (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/would-tennessee-job-interest-lovie-smith.html)

In 2008, the Tribune reported that Tennessee reached out to Bears coach Lovie Smith to gauge his interest in becoming the coach at the school where he worked under Phillip Fulmer in 1993 and '94. Smith declined, but now the Volunteers' job is open again with the exit of Lane Kiffin to USC.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk opines today that both sides should revisit the option.

"Frankly, it might be in everyone's best interests for Smith to pursue the opportunity, unless he has no interest in leading a college program," Florio writes. "The Bears undoubtedly would have cleaned house at Halas Hall but for the buyout obligations to Smith and G.M. Jerry Angelo. With Smith's ability to stick around for 2011 riding on the performance of quarterback Jay Cutler and mounting uncertainty regarding a work stoppage after next season, heading to Knoxville makes plenty of sense, especially if his compensation from the Volunteers would be enhanced by a partial buyout from the Bears."

[Tiduwho]

We are donezo next year.

[monkeyman420]

Why would anyone want to come here knowing what is going on with Lovie? Everyone has to know, or I should say suspect, that the 2010 season could be the last season for Lovie. If the Bears fail to make the playoffs then Smith is most likely gone, which means all coaches could lose their jobs as well. It's the reason why Bates went with Carroll to Seattle. This is going to be a major problem for the organization while they conduct their search.

[Doors Allan Coe]

Here is good article on the issues about the salary cap and a looming lockout. It's a great read for those interested in the business side of things.

http://chi.scout.com/2/937800.html

[cwsrule88]

lol at no one wanting to come and work as the oc or dc on the bears

[Doors Allan Coe]

Mike Tice as our OL coach is a positive.

It is scary that nobody seems to be interested in coaching in Chicago. However, Chicagobears.com had a "possible" hint in the Chat Talk section.

"Hypothetically speaking, the Bears’ top choice to replace Ron Turner could be coaching for an NFL team that’s still involved in the playoffs. Or he could be with another club. But I definitely wouldn’t worry about the Bears not being able to land a quality candidate."

Any "hypothetical" candidates you guys would like?

[Doors Allan Coe]

Will never happen, but I can dream.

Would Tennessee job interest Lovie Smith? (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/would-tennessee-job-interest-lovie-smith.html)

In 2008, the Tribune reported that Tennessee reached out to Bears coach Lovie Smith to gauge his interest in becoming the coach at the school where he worked under Phillip Fulmer in 1993 and '94. Smith declined, but now the Volunteers' job is open again with the exit of Lane Kiffin to USC.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk opines today that both sides should revisit the option.

"Frankly, it might be in everyone's best interests for Smith to pursue the opportunity, unless he has no interest in leading a college program," Florio writes. "The Bears undoubtedly would have cleaned house at Halas Hall but for the buyout obligations to Smith and G.M. Jerry Angelo. With Smith's ability to stick around for 2011 riding on the performance of quarterback Jay Cutler and mounting uncertainty regarding a work stoppage after next season, heading to Knoxville makes plenty of sense, especially if his compensation from the Volunteers would be enhanced by a partial buyout from the Bears."

Imagine that...

Yeah, I can't see it happening either. If it weren't for the fact we don't have any day one draft picks I probably would be much less concerned. Not that JA drafts well. But, you never know...

[DMBZeppelin]

Mike Tice as our OL coach is a positive.

It is scary that nobody seems to be interested in coaching in Chicago. However, Chicagobears.com had a "possible" hint in the Chat Talk section.

"Hypothetically speaking, the Bears’ top choice to replace Ron Turner could be coaching for an NFL team that’s still involved in the playoffs. Or he could be with another club. But I definitely wouldn’t worry about the Bears not being able to land a quality candidate."

Any "hypothetical" candidates you guys would like?
Mike Tice as our OL coach would be very good, but he interviewed for the OC position. Maybe he'd rather coach the OL as opposed to TE's. I hear Tice is good at finding low round/undrafted FA's in terms of linemen. Which is what we'll be dealing with.

They had a guy on the Danny Mac show today. He used to be on the Vikings staff. He said Tice is amazing when it comes to developing linemen, putting in different protections, and the run game. With that being said he'd need help with other things such as drawing up routes. He's very good at what he knows, but not a total package for an OC.

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears close to hiring Tice to coach O-line (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/bears-close-to-hiring-tice-to-coach-o-line.html)

The Bears are close to an agreement that would bring Mike Tice to Chicago as their offensive line coach, the Tribune has learned. The team has been very aggressive in negotiations and could strike a deal today.

The former head coach of the Vikings had been working in Jacksonville as the assistant head coach/tight ends coach. The Jaguars gave the Bears permission to talk to Tice when it was unclear whether or not their staff would be retained.

Since that time, the Jaguars have decided to retain their coaching staff. So the Bears' window of opportunity to sign Tice may not be open for long.

A source said Tice would like to be in the Midwest so he could be closer to his children.

[BotheDMBFan]

I was holding out for Cable to get fired to do the O-Line, but Tice is just fine.

[DMBZeppelin]

I'm so happy Tice isn't in the running for the OC job, and very excited about him being our O-line coach. Lets hope they get this deal done.

[DMBZeppelin]

I was holding out for Cable to get fired to do the O-Line, but Tice is just fine.
Cable would have tried to fight Kreutz. Ask Fred Miller how that turns out.

[BotheDMBFan]

Cable would have tried to fight Kreutz. Ask Fred Miller how that turns out.

Cable actually wins fights.

[DMBZeppelin]

Jedd Fisch will not be the Bears new OC. Bates is bringing him to Seattle to be the QB coach. I saw Brad Biggs mention today that in 07' Turner hired Pep Hamilton over Fisch for QB coach.

[BotheDMBFan]

Jedd Fisch will not be the Bears new OC. Bates is bringing him to Seattle to be the QB coach. I saw Brad Biggs mention today that in 07' Turner hired Pep Hamilton over Fisch for QB coach.

Well if you can't beat Pep Hamilton in a job search...

I kid, I kid. Maybe Warner will retire and we can just hire him. (I can dream, alright?!)

[DMBZeppelin]

Tice hiring is offical now.

[BotheDMBFan]

Sweet.

[Tiduwho]

Bears. Season. Over.

[DMBZeppelin]

mortreport (http://twitter.com/mortreport) On NFL Countdown, some playofff OC candidates for Bears, include Chargers Rob Chudzinski, who was Browns OC when D. Anderson made Pro Bowl.
about 5 hours ago (http://twitter.com/mortreport/status/7830874027)from web

mortreport (http://twitter.com/mortreport) Another name for Bears could be WR coach Clyde Christenson, who installs the Colts' red zone and short-yardage packages.
about 5 hours ago (http://twitter.com/mortreport/status/7830905245)from web

mortreport (http://twitter.com/mortreport) As far as P. Fewell doing a U-turn to join Giants as DC, word is Fewell believes his HC chances improve if he turns aorund G-men defense.
about 5 hours ago (http://twitter.com/mortreport/status/7830953611)from web

mortreport (http://twitter.com/mortreport) Fewell set 4 Bears but when Giants offered, he realized Lovie Smith & Rod Marinelli would still get some credit for any Bears turnaround.
about 5 hours ago (http://twitter.com/mortreport/status/7831015084)from web

mortreport (http://twitter.com/mortreport) With the Giants, if they turn it around, no question Fewell will get the credit because Coughlin has an offensive coach background.
about 5 hours ago (http://twitter.com/mortreport/status/7831040243)from web

[DMBZeppelin]

List of names for Bears' O-coordinator job growing (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1995121,CST-SPT-bear17.article)

Add Chan Gailey to the list of candidates to become the Bears' offensive coordinator, meaning the team might add a third former NFL head coach to their staff.

Gailey, the former Dallas Cowboys and Georgia Tech head coach, was the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs under Herm Edwards, who is close to Bears coach Lovie Smith, in 2008. He remained in that position when Todd Haley was hired to coach the Chiefs before last season but was relieved of his duties less than two weeks before the 2009 season opener.

Evidently, play-calling during the Chiefs' first three losses of the preseason contributed to the split between Haley and Gailey.

ESPN reported that Indianapolis Colts receivers coach Clyde Christensen is also on the Bears' radar. Smith also is expected to interview the San Diego Chargers' Rob Chudzinski, who was the Cleveland Browns' offensive coordinator for two seasons before returning to the Chargers as assistant head coach/tight ends before this season.

Meanwhile, former Bears quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton is expected to interview to become Virginia's quarterbacks coach.

The Bears already employ defensive line coach and former Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli and offensive line coach and former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice.

[UCFish]

Gaines Adams is dead....

http://www.wyff4.com/sports/22258657/detail.html

[Tiduwho]

Gaines Adams is dead....

The fuck?

[BotheDMBFan]

Just...Jesus Christ...

[gocubsgo3822]

Trade fail.

[myersk27]

$%@#*$%#$#*&#*&%*^&$@^



RIP Gaines......that sucks....

[DMBZeppelin]

Enlarged heart, don't players get checked out for things like that? This is just insane. RIP Adams.

[myersk27]

Enlarged heart, don't players get checked out for things like that? This is just insane. RIP Adams.

you would think they would....they have access to the best medical care money can buy...you would think they would check that stuff out....pretty sad.

[BotheDMBFan]

you would think they would....they have access to the best medical care money can buy...you would think they would check that stuff out....pretty sad.

It's hard to check for, and find, an enlarged heart. Most of the time, sadly, they find it far too late.

[jaking1185]

Do you think maybe the Tampa medical people knew about it, and that it was a ticking time bomb? Maybe that's why they did the trade?

[BotheDMBFan]

Do you think maybe the Tampa medical people knew about it, and that it was a ticking time bomb? Maybe that's why they did the trade?

IF they did, and that's a huge if, Tampa will be fucked for a very long time.

[jaking1185]

IF they did, and that's a huge if, Tampa will be fucked for a very long time.

Just a thought that crossed my mind.

[DMBcubs3641]

Do you think maybe the Tampa medical people knew about it, and that it was a ticking time bomb? Maybe that's why they did the trade?
I would seriously hope not

[SatelliteEyes]

Yeah, Tampa knew about it, and rather then tell him about it and treat it, they decided they would risk his life and try to pull the wool over the eyes of some unsuspecting NFL team. I can just picture what they were saying after signing the trade papers. "Suckers! You just traded for a dead man walking!!!1!1!!!"

EDIT - Oh and if you believe that, then the Bears are just as responsible for being negligent in their medical evaluation and not finding something that the Tampa doctor's did find.

[myersk27]

yeah, i seriously doubt TB knew about it.

[smudge1]

yeah, i seriously doubt TB knew about it.

Players have regular physicals...like you and me. The only way his problem would have been noticed was if they were specifically looking for it.

[DMBZeppelin]

ZachZaidman (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman) footballcoachscoop.com reports Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio has talked with Bears RB coach Tim Spencer about joining Spartans
about 2 hours ago (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/7973623490)from TweetDeck (http://www.tweetdeck.com/)

[Tiduwho]

Abandon ship!

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears continue interviewing position coaches (http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/9134/bears-continue-interviewing-position-coaches)

Although it has yet to name an offensive coordinator, Chicago appears intent on building its offensive staff.

The Bears hired Mike Tice last Friday as their offensive line coach, and Tuesday they interviewed (http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6497) Mike DeBord for the job as tight ends coach. DeBord spent the past two seasons on Seattle’s staff and primarily been a college coach throughout his career, highlighted by four seasons as Central Michigan’s head coach (2000-03).

Plenty could change over the next few weeks, but you wonder how the Bears will end up structuring their offensive staff. Will they ultimately hire a coordinator after filling his staff? Or do they plan some sort of job share system among multiple assistants?

Meanwhile, no new names have surfaced publicly for their defensive coordinator job, which they hoped to give to former Buffalo assistant Perry Fewell. But Fewell joined the New York Giants last week.

[DMBZeppelin]

How in the hell do you hire assistants when you don't know what system you're running!?!?!?!?

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears Change Approach in Coordinator Search (http://www.csnchicago.com/pages/blog_moon)

As Chan Gailey heads off to become head coach of the Buffalo Bills, taking his resume off the Bears’ in-box for possible offensive coordinators, the Bears have had to change their thinking in the search and hiring process. Not because of Gailey specifically, but because of the shrinking market he represents and in which they find themselves.

The organization is still open to hiring an individual who comes in and rings all the bells on the spot, although no one is expecting that. But where once the plan was to strike quickly and land a premier offensive chief from the NFL, the search is now focusing on candidates in three areas – veteran assistants at the NFL level, promising younger position coaches already in the NFL, and college coaches.

The plan is for preliminary interviews to produce three to four finalists and a decision made after that step, CSNChicago.com has learned.

If the process seems like it is stretching out far into the haze of the future, it is. But don’t blame the Bears. It may in fact be to their credit.

Because of the paucity of known personalities, the organization is being forced to do more extensive evaluations than might otherwise be used in these situations. Put another way, the Bears are necessarily looking at individuals that Jerry Angelo or Lovie Smith do not know as well as some. That means a longer interview process, literally.

The Tice Model

The Bears had to change their thinking as far as order of battle as well, and they are addressing the offensive assistant coaches before the coordinator decision is made.

They were interviewing former Seahawks tight ends coach Mike DeBord at Halas Hall Tuesday for the tight ends job in Chicago. And they didn’t believe they could wait on Mike Tice so they grabbed him as offensive line coach last week. “You can’t look a gift horse in the mouth sometimes,” one Bears front office-ite told CSNChicago.com. “We had to jump at the chance to add Mike.”

A sidelight to the Tice addition: Tice operates from a smash-mouth personality and his offenses have traditionally run extremely well. While Lovie Smith left little doubt that there would be more emphasis on Jay Cutler and the pass offense, Tice won Smith’s heart with his insights on how to run the ball. The Bears don’t use these kinds of titles much but look for Tice to effectively be coordinator/run offense.

The searches continue…

[DMBZeppelin]

Moon usually knows what he's talking about. This isn't the first time people who have Bears connections have suggested it. If the Bears really think they can pull off having a running coordinator and a passing coordinator to run the offense.... :lol:lol:lol:lol That will be the biggest fail in the history of Bears football.

[DMBZeppelin]

Chargers assistant Rob Chudzinski agrees to interview with Bears.

[DMBZeppelin]

Time for Bears to make a move (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4664134/time-for-bears-to-make-a-move)

CHICAGO -- It's time for the Bears to make a move.

The mere fact Rob Chudzinski is getting on a plane to interview for the Bears' offensive coordinator position is a minor miracle in itself. He works for the very man (Norv Turner) who's brother the Bears just fired, on a coaching staff full of ex-Chicago assistants (Ron Rivera, Steve Wilks, Don Johnson). Not to mention, Chudzinski already has a very secure job (Turner just got a three-year extension), to go along with a nice title (assistant head coach), for a successful franchise in a beautiful city like San Diego.

The time for "due diligence" is over. If the Bears are serious about Chudzinski, they would be wise to extend him an offer before he reportedly leaves town Thursday.

Look at the facts: Chudzinski has been a successful play caller at both the college (Miami) and professional levels (Cleveland), and is credited for helping develop star tight ends Kellen Winslow (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5531), Jeremy Shockey (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3542) and Antonio Gates (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5362).

Plus, he already has pre-existing relationships with two of the Bears' biggest pieces on offense: Greg Olsen (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10475) and Devin Hester (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9643). It's not a secret that Olsen and Jay Cutler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9597) are good friends, which increases the odds of the quarterback being receptive to the idea of working with Chudzinski.

It's impossible to precisely forecast the future. Maybe better candidates will emerge in the coming weeks as more teams are eliminated from postseason play and organizations continue to reshuffle their coaching staffs.

But what if that doesn't happen? What then? Is that a question the Bears want to be asking themselves two weeks from now?

Don't let Rob Chudzinski turn into another Perry Fewell and Jeremy Bates.

[DMBZeppelin]

Chicago Bears' Matt Forte has knee surgery (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-100120-matt-forte-brad-maynard,0,7047151.story)

Bears running back Matt Forte had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee within the last two weeks, according to multiple sources.

The clean-up procedure followed a post-season MRI. Forte sprained the medial collateral ligament in his knee during the Bears' 25-19 victory at Seattle in Week 3, but it is unclear if the surgery stems from that specific injury.

Although Forte ran better toward the end of the season, he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, down from his 3.9-yard average as a rookie. He finished with 929 rushing yards on 258 carries as the Bears ranked 29th in the league. Forte ran for 1,238 yards on 316 carries as a rookie the year before. As a receiver, he had 57 catches for 471 yards in 2009 against 63 for 477 in his first season.

Forte also suffered a partially torn hamstring during offseason workouts before the '09 season.

With Forte recovering from surgery, the Bears have at least three running backs on the mend. Garrett Wolfe had shoulder surgery almost two weeks ago while Kevin Jones continues his extensive rehab from torn ligaments in his left ankle. Jones missed the entire regular season.

Also, punter Brad Maynard had his right hip scoped, a source said. His recovery time is unclear.

Maynard was listed as questionable with a groin injury before the last home game against the Vikings. He handled the punt duties that night despite the Bears' decision to sign Richmond McGee as insurance.

The first day teams can start the offseason workout program is March 15.

[DMBZeppelin]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-100120-chicago-bears-coaching-search,0,3129808.story

Chudzinski was operating on a one-year contract in San Diego, which makes him a virtual coaching free agent. The Bears still had to receive permission to interview him because he is tied to the Chargers into February, however. It is believed the Chargers want him back, but it is unlikely they would offer him total control of an offense as the Bears could.

Chudzinski is known for his ability to develop tight ends, having worked with Gates, as well as Bubba Franks (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/bubba-franks-PESPT002376.topic), Kellen Winslow (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/kellen-winslow-PESPT008040.topic) and Jeremy Shockey (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/jeremy-shockey-PESPT008451.topic) at the University of Miami (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/education/colleges-universities/university-of-miami-OREDU0000157.topic). He also coached Greg Olsen (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/greg-olsen-PESPT008269.topic) when Olsen was a redshirt freshman in 2003.

Among the coaches who have influenced him are Jimmy Johnson (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/jimmy-johnson-PESPT008454.topic), Larry Coker, Butch Davis, Marty Schottenheimer and Norv Turner.

It is believed his offensive philosophy is most similar to that of Ravens (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/baltimore-ravens-ORSPT000161.topic) offensive coordinator Cam Cameron (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/cam-cameron-PESPT008392.topic). "Chud" worked with Cameron in San Diego before he became the Browns offensive coordinator under Romeo Crennel in 2007.

Chudzinski looked like a genius for most of the 2007 season. Derek Anderson (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/derek-anderson-PESPT000163.topic) did not become the regular quarterback until midway through the opening game, but ending up playing in the Pro Bowl. Wide receiver Braylon Edwards and Winslow joined him there, as all three had career years and the Browns finished eighth in the league in offense after finishing 31st the year before.

In the second-to-last game of the season, the Browns threw the ball 48 times on a cold, windy day in Cincinnati and lost 19-14 to the Bengals, who relied on their rushing attack. Chudzinski was criticized for his game plan, and the Browns failed to make the playoffs despite a 10-6 record.

After the season, the Ravens sought to interview Chudzinski for their head coaching vacancy, but Chudzinski declined, instead accepting a lucrative contract extension to remain as the Browns offensive coordinator.

But the following season, it all fell apart in Cleveland. Injuries to key players limited the Browns offense. The Browns fell to 4-12 and finished 31st in offense. Crennel and his staff were fired.

Chudzinski flew to Chicago Wednesday and is scheduled to interview Thursday, league sources said.

[DMBZeppelin]

Rob Chudzinski a good pick for Chicago Bears (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0122-haugh-bears-chicago--20100121,0,1121909.column)

As part of Rob Chudzinski's interview process, let me help prepare the potential Bears offensive coordinator by exposing him to the first of what would be regular second-guessing in this city.

Chudzinski is willing to leave the Chargers for this?

As decisions go, this seems like calling a draw to a backup running back on third-and-9 when you have a Pro Bowl quarterback to throw it.

Chudzinski does know Antonio Gates can't come too if he leaves the Chargers for the Bears (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/chicago-bears-ORSPT000036.topic), right? He does realize his current head coach, Norv Turner, just signed a three-year contract extension while his possible future boss, Lovie Smith (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/lovie-smith-PESPT008481.topic), faces a playoffs-or-bust 2010 season?

His judgment alone, even to consider working here, makes Chudzinski seem like the kind of guy who takes stairs instead of the elevator and never valet parks. His favorite spring break destination is probably Minooka.

But talk to people around the league and the rationale for Chudzinski spending Thursday at Halas Hall becomes clearer. The man they call "Chud'' apparently likes a challenge, so in that way the sorry state of the Bears' offense suits him perfectly.

"Sure there's a lot of pressure in Chicago but he is cut out for it, I can guarantee you that, and knowing 'Chud,' I'm sure that's what excites him about it,'' said Cam Cameron (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/cam-cameron-PESPT008392.topic), the Ravens (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/baltimore-ravens-ORSPT000161.topic)' offensive coordinator who worked with Chudzinski in San Diego. "He's one of the best assistants I ever have been around.''

Cameron formed that impression when he was the Chargers' offensive coordinator and Chudzinski, 41, coached tight ends during the 2005-06 seasons on the staff of Marty Schottenheimer. Appearing Thursday on WMVP-AM 1000, Schottenheimer similarly gushed about Chudzinski's coaching ability.

"I would imagine that given the opportunity with the background he has and involvement with the San Diego offense, he would be terrific in that role [of Bears offensive coordinator],'' Schottenheimer said. "I would say if they sign him as offensive coordinator, you need to look toward the sky because the sun is now rising.''

The sun still will come up over Lake Michigan if the Bears don't hire Chudzinski, but just in case, they should make him an offer by nightfall.

Interviewing Chudzinski, the Chargers' assistant head coach/tight ends whose contract is expiring, represents the best development so far for a Bears coaching search that has struggled finding a clue. Finally, the Bears have targeted someone who offers experience, exuberance and execution. He served as offensive coordinator for the University of Miami (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/education/colleges-universities/university-of-miami-OREDU0000157.topic), where the scrutiny resembles an NFL (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/nfl-ORSPT000007.topic) team, and for two seasons for the Browns (2007-08) — stints that surely prepared him for this challenge.

That makes Chudzinski more qualified than former candidate, Jeremy Bates, or current possibility Ken Zampese. And while his resume falls short of Mike Martz's, if the Bears were interested in Martz, they still wouldn't be interviewing candidates.

If Martz was your favorite for the job — as he was mine — relax. If Chudzinski brings "Ski Ball,'' to Soldier Field (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/soldier-field-PLTRA0000156.topic), it will bring the Bears' offseason back on course.

"He understands the running game and his strength is pass-protection and route concepts,'' Cameron said. "He has a knack for play-calling and a feel for the game.''

It's always going to be Norv Turner's offense in San Diego, a factor that may make the Bears more appealing to Chudzinski despite Smith's shaky status. Smith allowed Ron Turner the autonomy to be the de facto head coach in charge of offense, and that setup is unlikely to change. Even though Smith relinquished defensive play-calling duties, he still figures to be more involved on that side of the ball, his specialty.

The situation likely would resemble Chudzinski's working environment in Cleveland, where former Browns coach Romeo Crennel, now the defensive coordinator for the Chiefs, gave him free reign. Chudzinski once described his approach with the Browns as "a run-first, attack style.''

Bears fans could get used to an offense that gets off the bus attacking.

"The ideal situation for a play-caller is to work for a proven defensive guy like Lovie Smith as head coach because of that [independence],'' Cameron said. "Rob understands how offensive football factors into winning with defense and special teams. He's not just a guy who's going to help build stats.''

Hiring Chudzinski would only build confidence in an organization lacking it after a prolonged coaching search.

When Chudzinski interviewed with the Browns in 2007, former general manager Phil Savage noted Chudzinski's presentation didn't include a single misspelling even though he took an overnight flight to make the morning meeting.

That's the type of attention to detail the Bears' offense needs.

Hard to see how hiring Chudzinski wouldn't spell success.

[AlexK79]

Of all the candidates that are realistic possibilities, I like Chudzinski the most. I really would like to see them make him an offer.

[DMBZeppelin]

Chudzinski won't be joining the Bears (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/chudzinski-wont-be-joining-the-bears.html)

Scratch another candidate off the list of potential Bears offensive coordinators. A source close to the situation said Rob Chudzinski, who interviewed with the team Thursday, will not be coming to Chicago.

Chudzinski finished the season as the assistant head coach and tight ends coach of the Chargers. His contract is expiring, and it is believed the Chargers want him back. He also could be drawing interest from other teams.

If Chudzinski and the Bears had come to terms, he would have been given control of the Bears offensive game planning and play calling. In San Diego, head coach Norv Turner is the man most responsible for the Chargers offense. The team also has an offensive coordinator in Clarence Shelmon.

[DMBZeppelin]

Listening to Boers and Bernstein from Friday. According to Terry Boers Bears source. Bates was the absolute first choice for offensive coordinator. Once that didn't happen Lovie went to Angelo and told him he wanted Martz. Jerry told him no. Angelo isn't big on getting Cutler killed in the Martz system, or a fan of Martz in general. Though that's most people around the NFL.

I want to know why we aren't signing Chud. Because he actually is very qualified. It makes me wonder if Lovie is going to interview candidate after candidate until there's no one left. Then he can go back to Jerry and say "What about Martz now?" That's where I feel this is going.

[JTRocks]

i think its time for the bears to just go after one of these coordinators in the playoffs right now. I just dont see why any coordinator would want this job other than the longshot of maybe taking over the head coach position when they fire lovie.

like i said before, either go after one of these coordinators from any of the playoff teams or make a bold move and pick some college coordinator who runs a style that can really suit cutler. just get whoever cutler wants, though i've heard that hes been involved with most of their search for coordinators already.

[DMBZeppelin]

If Chudzinski and the Bears had come to terms, he would have been given control of the Bears offensive game planning and play calling.
I just realized the wording of this. Is Pompei saying that he's not our coordinator because of money? That will just piss me off.

i think its time for the bears to just go after one of these coordinators in the playoffs right now. I just dont see why any coordinator would want this job other than the longshot of maybe taking over the head coach position when they fire lovie.

like i said before, either go after one of these coordinators from any of the playoff teams or make a bold move and pick some college coordinator who runs a style that can really suit cutler. just get whoever cutler wants, though i've heard that hes been involved with most of their search for coordinators already.
Only problem is that why would any coordinator come here to run the Bears offense? I'm not even sure if any of the coordinators in the playoffs are worthwhile. Peyton Manning is the Colts offense. Saints offense is Sean Payton's offense. I just really felt good about Chud. If we wind up with that guy from Cincinatti I will not be happy.

[Tiduwho]

Bears. Season. Over.

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears. Season. Over.
Right. But. Bears. News. Not.

[SqueeBaBooSquee]

Right. But. Bears. News. Not.

Talk. Like. Yoda. You. Do.

[myersk27]

this o-coordinator search is a f-ing joke right now....

[DMBZeppelin]

Knox is going to the Pro Bowl.

Jackson was voted in as receiver and returner. Harvin was the 1st alternate so he got the returner spot right away with Jackson going in as receiver. Well apparently he pulled out. This is from Knox's agent.

BridgeNSA (http://twitter.com/BridgeNSA) Bears WR/KR Johnny Knox was just told he is going to be playing in the PRO BOWL! Congrats to him!
about 2 hours ago (http://twitter.com/BridgeNSA/status/8209207260)from txt (http://twitter.com/devices)

[BustedStuff87]

Knox is going to the Pro Bowl.

Jackson was voted in as receiver and returner. Harvin was the 1st alternate so he got the returner spot right away with Jackson going in as receiver. Well apparently he pulled out. This is from Knox's agent.

BridgeNSA (http://twitter.com/BridgeNSA) Bears WR/KR Johnny Knox was just told he is going to be playing in the PRO BOWL! Congrats to him!
about 2 hours ago (http://twitter.com/BridgeNSA/status/8209207260)from txt (http://twitter.com/devices)

:thumbsup Nice, but isn't there anyone else that had a better season?

[UCFish]

Really that seems ridiculous. He did not have that great a season.

[DMBZeppelin]

Really that seems ridiculous. He did not have that great a season.
He was 2nd in kickoff return average. After Jackson and Harvin there's not a lot of great returners. I wouldn't complain if it had been someone else, but it's not as if he's that undeserving.

[AlexK79]

Source: Bears to interview Jackson

Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson is scheduled to travel to Chicago Tuesday morning to interview for the Bears' offensive coordinator job, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Jackson just completed his second season with Baltimore and his ninth overall in the league.

"Hue really has a presence," said former NFL quarterback and current ESPN NFL analyst Tim Hasselbeck, who played for the Redskins in 2003 while Jackson was their offensive coordinator. "He can stand up in front of the room and have the attention of all 25 guys on offense. Some coaches aren't able to command the room. Hue can, and he does it quite well."

Jackson played a key role in developing Joe Flacco in Baltimore. He also coached Carson Palmer at Southern California. That experience could make him attractive to the Bears, who have a lot riding on quarterback Jay Cutler.

"He's the kind of guy who would call plays based on what suits his personnel best," Hasselbeck said. "Ultimately, that's what good coaches do. Look at [Kansas City head coach] Todd Haley, people though based on what he did in Arizona with Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, that he was a guy more comfortable in the shotgun. Then he gets to Kansas City, and he we see he wants a tailback, fullback, and two tight ends to run a more traditional style."

Hasselbeck added: "The Bears have invested a lot in Jay Cutler, so do something [offensively] he's good at. There are a couple quarterbacks in the league that would be great no matter where they go," Hasselbeck said. "But the majority of the guys, even those who are Pro Bowl caliber, need to be in a system that fits them. My brother [Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck] is the same way, despite going to Pro Bowls and playing in a Super Bowl, he benefited from being put in a system that fit him, rather than being forced to fit in a system."

The Bears fired offensive coordinator Ron Turner in early January.

Turner spent nine seasons, including the last five, over two stints in Chicago. He helped guide the Bears to Super Bowl XLI, but was let go after the Bears' offense struggled this season, despite the addition of quarterback Cutler, who threw 27 touchdowns and 26 interceptions.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.