By Vaughn McClure
The Bears' decision to elevate Rod Marinelli to defensive coordinator raised questions about what impact the move would have on the defensive line.
Marinelli, formerly the assistant head coach/defensive line, was brought in last season specifically to tutor the front four. The 24 sacks by the group proved Marinelli's work was far from complete, and his new role means he won't be able to devote full attention to the defensive linemen.
But defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who had just 2.5 sacks in 2009, said he still figures to have plenty of one-on-one time with Marinelli.
"I'll make it my business to go up there and talk to him," Harris said during a phone interview Tuesday. "I really learned the game from him last season. I understand the game now instead of just going out there.
The Bears' decision to elevate Rod Marinelli to defensive coordinator raised questions about what impact the move would have on the defensive line.
Marinelli, formerly the assistant head coach/defensive line, was brought in last season specifically to tutor the front four. The 24 sacks by the group proved Marinelli's work was far from complete, and his new role means he won't be able to devote full attention to the defensive linemen.
But defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who had just 2.5 sacks in 2009, said he still figures to have plenty of one-on-one time with Marinelli.
"I'll make it my business to go up there and talk to him," Harris said during a phone interview Tuesday. "I really learned the game from him last season. I understand the game now instead of just going out there.
"I think having him as defensive coordinator is a great move, although
I really want him as my position coach. (New defensive line coach) Eric
Washington is a great coach, too."
Harris said the defense, as a whole, shouldn't have much trouble adjusting to Marinelli.
"He's done the film during our (defensive) meetings," Harris said. "The players already know what he brings to the table. And he's going to get the best out of us.
"I'm pretty sure last year, they were calling some things, or (the defensive coaches) all had a say in what was called."
After Lovie Smith gave up the defensive play-calling duties, the Bears first interviewed Perry Fewell for the defensive-coordinator position. Despite indications that Fewell was headed to Chicago, he chose the same position with the New York Giants instead.
Although Smith desired a coach who believed in the same Cover-2 scheme, the Bears never considered anyone from the Colts' staff. Indianapolis rode that same defense all the way to the Super Bowl.
"If anybody would have come from the outside, they would have already known the history of the defense, so nothing would have changed," Harris said. "Nobody was going to come here and change this to a 3-4 or anything like that. It just would have been a different name at defensive coordinator. But we're fine with coach Marinelli. He's a monster.''
Harris said the defense, as a whole, shouldn't have much trouble adjusting to Marinelli.
"He's done the film during our (defensive) meetings," Harris said. "The players already know what he brings to the table. And he's going to get the best out of us.
"I'm pretty sure last year, they were calling some things, or (the defensive coaches) all had a say in what was called."
After Lovie Smith gave up the defensive play-calling duties, the Bears first interviewed Perry Fewell for the defensive-coordinator position. Despite indications that Fewell was headed to Chicago, he chose the same position with the New York Giants instead.
Although Smith desired a coach who believed in the same Cover-2 scheme, the Bears never considered anyone from the Colts' staff. Indianapolis rode that same defense all the way to the Super Bowl.
"If anybody would have come from the outside, they would have already known the history of the defense, so nothing would have changed," Harris said. "Nobody was going to come here and change this to a 3-4 or anything like that. It just would have been a different name at defensive coordinator. But we're fine with coach Marinelli. He's a monster.''
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bears4ever - live in your dreamland lololol 40 years and counting on me `sticking by' the bears as the looseingest team lololool
Harris is on board? what exactly does that mean? I respect Harris trying to get it together but not at the expense of our win/loss And what the heck did Rod do to upgrade our Dline exactly?? The Dline was stupid bad last 2 years
What a frickin joke. What has Harris ever done. He has one season where he has eight sacks. Big Deal! Is anyone impressed with that?
Steve McMichael had 90 plus sacks in a ten year period.
He came to play hurt and injured unlike Harris.
Of course, Harris is on board. Where else is he going to go? He knows he has to kiss ass to play. This is not breaking news guys!! That's like say Mike Martz happy to be O-Coach for Chicago! God this up coming season is going to be TERRIBLE!!!
JC6: Great post,I agree. These blogs rarely draw the die hard fans anymore anyway. That is why I dont bother posting with these wannabe fair weather,hater fans anymore! Us true die hard fans are still out here in force,we just dont converse with these others on blogs much anymore. Take care. BEAR DOWN! GO BEARS,YOUR TRUE FANS WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT YOU!!!
I'm writing down all you bloggers names and when the Bears are kicking a$$ next year, you will be the first fair weathered fans I laugh at!! Just wait, you negative bums!!
Tommie no play Harris. Please trade this guy. He has no clue. I guarantee the next coach in Chicago won't be running the Tamapa 2.
It will be a 3-4 defense. Or some hybrid. Usually the smarter teams play to their strengths. And the next coach will realise the strength is at the linebacker position.
The Bears should jetison this big bag of wind.
Ladies and gentlemen...your 2007 Detroit Lions.
An 0-16 coach can really bring something to the table..Kudos for this choice. Glad they didn't hire that 1-15 coach.
"But we're fine with coach Marinelli. He's a monster.''
Too bad you're no longer a monster. Hot Rod could sure use you.
Mike, I agree with you. This is ridiculous. It's a slap in the face to the fans, but we put up with it by attending games and buying merchandise no matter how bad a product the Bears put out there, so it's really our fault.
But, aren't you glad Harris and Marinelli will be on the same page like the article says? That's guaranteed to produce tons of big talk, but I'm doubting there will be any good results.
Tommie Harris is probably the single most overpaid player in the league. I believe I remember seeing something that said he was the highest paid tackle in the league, although I thought that was Haynesworth. I went to the Atlanta game last year. Harris was absolutely whipped by the Atlanta O-Line all day.
Is anyone else crying at the fact that the bears elevated a coach that did nothing to improve the defensive line last season? GOD I CANT WAIT TILL BASEBALL SEASON!