By Vaughn McClureMOBILE, Ala. -- If the Bears continue to strike out in their attempts to secure a defensive coordinator, there is someone on staff willing to assume that duty in a pinch.
Rod Marinelli, the assistant head coach/defensive line, still could be an option, although he's more focused on improving the front four.
"Whatever Lovie needs, I'll do," Marinelli said. "If the field needs to be mowed, I'll bring my hand-mower out. ... There's no job too small."
Smith surrendered the play-calling duties after taking over for then-defensive coordinator Bob Babich following the 2008 season.
Photo: Rod Marinelli remains a fall-back option for the Bears. (Tribune)
Smith and Marinelli had discussions the day before the Bears fired four
offensive coaches, including offensive coordinator Ron Turner. Smith
then interviewed Perry Fewell, who decided to become the Giants'
defensive coordinator rather than join the Bears.
It is unclear if any other defensive coordinators are on the Bears' radar at this point.
"I think (Lovie's) doing a great job being quiet about everything and he's thorough," Marinelli said. "He's working at his pace."
It is unclear if any other defensive coordinators are on the Bears' radar at this point.
"I think (Lovie's) doing a great job being quiet about everything and he's thorough," Marinelli said. "He's working at his pace."
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I hope "chicagofaninRaleigh" isn't a product of the Chicago school district...it's one thing to attend games as a fan, but as a taxpayer, I would have a problem with Raleigh as a product.
What's the matter? Can't the Bears find any other coaches who went 0-16 to be the defensive coordinator?
With, Larry, Mo and Curly (Ted, Jerry and Lovie) running the show what do you expect! But ultimately the blame rests with the family. 4 playoff appearances in 17 years for one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. We have small people making small decisions and as long as fans support these bufoons we have ourselves to blame. It will be interesting how they will spin this latest bit of incompetence!
Whatever if that a**clown is made dc f da bears!!!! This team always will remain a joke as long as stupid fans keep going to the games and buying the crappy product this sorry excuse for a nfl franchise puts in front of you d**che bags. All you people need to look at the Seahawks they paid 12 Mil and ousted the coach and forced the gm to resign ( hey Paul Allen buy the bears please ) and make a big name hire and they have a sweet stadium not the ufo on the lake. I don't thin Carrol will do very good but at least they make the effort. F off Virginia mike and any one who has any imput with the bears you suck and you should all join bill Wirtz fast. Go Rocky you get it go hawks
Is Lou Pinella available?
It is ironic that the Bears may have the former head coaches of the Vikings & Lions as their Offensive & Defensive coordinators, and though they had less than stellar records as Head coaches they were very highly regarded as position coaches so obivously they have some football smarts.
If Favre doesn't come back & the Vikings have to rely on T. Jackson to be their QB then the NFC North is up for grabs in 2010
The thought of a troika composed of Smith, Marinelli and Tice gives me the wobbles. But really, why not? We're looking at a four-win season, one way or the other. Saves Ginny and the boys some money so maybe, perhaps for 2011-12, we can hire on a real, honest-to-God, grown-up coaching staff. Wake me when it happens...
If he's willing to mow the grass, why not give him that job? Then if Lovie is relocated in the mailroom and Jerry is put in charge of concessions, then there might be a chance to hire some people who know how to produce a consistent winner.
At this point who cares who these bumbling bears get or fall back to; ownership made a huge mistake in not cleaning house. Sweetness talk to George; desperate for some devine intervention. What other hope is there?
Don't be surprised if you see Marinelli as DC and Tice as OC before it's all over. These have been the fall-back positions since Tice was hired. Can't see that there would be much of a change in play calling - except that on Offense the boys would have had a year (2009) to get worked in and presumably the execution would be much improved. They better sign one or two o-linemen in free agency, though, or Cutler will be in for more big hits in 2010.
What about Bringing in Ron Riviera as Head Coach, and Doug Plank as DC. This will bring back the swagger to the bears.
As I've been saying!! Martz/Tice and Marinelli.
way to be on the breaking Cubs news with Xavier Nady
Awesome. We get this joker as DQ and probably Martz as OQ. 2010. Down. The. Drain.
This is BEARS at their finest - they will promote this guy b/c they can't get a DC - when their self-stated reason for getting him AND his self-stated reason for taking the job was "I want to work in the trenches on the D-line"
Thats why we'll end up promoting him - because he AND THE REST OF THE ENTIRE ORGANIZATION - consist of people promoted beyond their level of incompetency
Rod, I spent the last few years in Detroit before relocating down here last year. I wish you'd quit the garden utensil metaphors! Theere is no doubt you're a worker with incredible work ethic. But rakes, hoes, shovels, digging and now mowing - we want results on the field, PLEASE.
We really want to promote someone who the Lions fired? Really?
Great, because, you know, this guy's last two years in the league have been awesome!