What about Mike Shula for Bears Offensive Coordinator?
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 12, 2010 10:00 AM CST
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With the track record of Lovie Smith hiring coaches he's familiar with, the obvious top candidate for offensive coordinator has been Mike Martz. Although he's mainly a "top candidate" by the media and fans speculating on the situation, because I haven't heard anything definite by the Bears in regards to Martz. When researching potential coaches that would actually fit the Bears M.O., I came across Mike Shula. A coach not only with ties to Lovie, but with ties to the Bears organization as well. Shula was the tight ends coach in Chicago from 1993-1995, yes he was on Dave Wannstedt's staff. But if you haven't kept tabs on Mike Shula's career take the jump with me...
Before I get into his coaching resume, let me first address the supposed knock on Lovie Smith for hiring his "guys". Honestly I don't see the problem with it. Most coaches and/or General Managers in the NFL hire guys that they are familiar with. The work day of an NFL coach is a long one, and working with people you feel you can work with is a plus. Bob Babich being hired as a linebackers coach was a good move. Promoting him to defensive coordinator... not so much. Hiring Rod Marinelli to coach the defensive line looks to be a solid decision, but time will tell. And the possibility of Perry Fewell being hired to be the Defensive coordinator, again the jury will be out.
Promoting Babich to D.C. coupled with the removal of popular Ron Rivera was the bigger issue.
Back to Shula. He has 21 years of coaching experience, including a four year stint as the head coach at his alma mater, Alabama. Prior to his time under Wanny, he was an offensive assistant in Tampa Bay (1988-90) and a coaches assistant in Miami (1991-92). After leaving the Bears he was hired as the offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay (1996-99), under Tony Dungy (and on the same staff as Lovie), and they went to two playoffs in his four years in Tampa, all while saddled with Trent Dilfer under center.
He was fired after the 1999 season and returned to Miami, this time to coach quarterbacks, again under good old Wanny. From his bio on jaguars.com;
Quarterback Jay Fiedler compiled a 21-10 record as a starter during Shula's tenure as Miami's quarterbacks coach. Fiedler became just the second quarterback in team history to surpass the 3,000-yard passing mark in 2002. He finished with a 60.7 completion percentage, the highest by a Dolphin since 1995.
After his second run in Miami he had his four year gig in Alabama. Than after being sprung from that job he was hired as the QB coach in Jacksonville. Again from jaguars.com;
During the last two years with Shula overseeing the quarterbacks, David Garrard has emerged as the club's starting quarterback. Garrard completed a career-high 335 of 535 passes for 3,620 yards in 2008 with 15 touchdowns and registered the first two 300-yard passing games of his career.
In Shula's first season with the Jaguars, the club set a single-season franchise record with 28 touchdown passes. Garrard ranked third in the NFL with a 102.2 passer rating and threw a NFL-low three interceptions. Garrard set the franchise single-season record for passer rating and highest completion percentage (64.0). He finished with the second-lowest interception percentage in any season for any quarterback in NFL history with 300-plus attempts at 0.92 (3 interceptions in 325 attempts).
Before being hired in Jacksonville, Shula found himself a top candidate to become the Head Coach with the Dolphins, even going as far as having a second interview with them. But ultimately the job went to Cam Cameron. Shula has been on staff in Jacksonville under Jack Del Rio ever since.
Would he be an ideal fit for Bears management? Let's see... he has experience calling plays for an NFL team. He has a familiarity with both Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo. He's shown a knack for getting his QB's to limit their interceptions. I'm not sure exactly his train of thought as far as coaching, but looking over his body of work in Tampa Bay it's clear he favors the run. Even while at Alabama he utilized the short passing game and a tough ground game. So he would get off the bus running. Then again, working with a player the caliber of Jay Cutler could bring out something different entirely.
Anyway, just another name to throw out there, and someone else to get our minds off the obvious candidates. The longer this search takes the more I'm souring on Mike Martz.
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Martz
I think Mike Martz would be my last choice. His play calling with the Lions was poor. Actually he has’t really been successful since leaving the Rams. Why do we want him?
Shula could be a good choice, but what about Charlie Weiss?
What about Norm Chow?
He seemed to do pretty good at USC.
Interesting idea.
I remember when he was interviewing for the Dolphins HC job a couple years ago, and he even almost got the job. But I also remember wondering how much of it was just a romantic idea considering his dad’s legacy in Miami.
The Shula/ Koetter combo has been very interesting to watch in Jax for sure…
They got everything here from a diddled-eyed joe to damned if I know.
Nice read...
he sounds like a better candidate than the more recent one’s I have heard of. I sure hope they start interviewing different candidates such as this one soon. I take it Mike Shula is Don’s son? Don Shula was a great coach.
Watch me pull a hat outta this rabbit.
by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on Jan 12, 2010 10:25 AM CST reply actions
Just look at that picture...
do you really have to ask?
They got everything here from a diddled-eyed joe to damned if I know.
Right...
there is a resemblance. lol
Watch me pull a hat outta this rabbit.
by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on Jan 12, 2010 10:28 AM CST up reply actions
I'd say so...
a resemblance at the very least.
They got everything here from a diddled-eyed joe to damned if I know.
Yep, I was reading the article and
not paying so much attention to the pic.. He really does sound like he would be a better candidate than the ones that are set before us. Also looks like he is a warm weather guy. This is when i wish ownership would loosin up the cheeks and throw out some money. Money always talks but we are talking about the McCaskey’s.
Watch me pull a hat outta this rabbit.
by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on Jan 12, 2010 10:39 AM CST up reply actions
I'm starting to not even care anymore.
It won’t matter who the OC is anyway… because they’ll all be fired next year if they don’t make the playoffs. And when you look at the roster, no 1st and 2nd round draft pick, and the Packers and Vikings… the chances of making the playoffs are slim.
Being fiscally responsible now, is destroying the chances of building a winning football team i n the near future… and wasting away the talents of Jay Cutler.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
I agree
I see nothing good happening this year. Ownership doesn’t care because they know that win or lose the fans will keep coming. The team means nothing to them other than revenue. We will keep hoping for the best and continue to line their pockets as always in hopes of Next Year. Same thing the Cubs do every year and it works for them.
why should we care?
the organization had their chance to make this right by firing everyone and starting over and instead they go out there and look like a bunch of monkeys banging a football.
this fiasco is going to end poorly by hiring someone as an interim OC and DC and absolutely no player will buy into the system because they know it’s as good as over when they don’t make the playoffs. (we have no picks, no coaches, no desire – i’m already saying .500 would be a lofty goal at this point) i’m just going to sit back and watch this idiotic attempt to save a football team unfold.
IF
and it’s a big IF, the Bear have a winning record next year the entire staff will return
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 12, 2010 12:24 PM CST up reply actions
It's not that.....
big of an if. The Bears weren’t 2 and 14 this year. The Bears were 7-9.
The right OC could be a difference maker. The Bears lost 5 games by a TD or less, including both GB games. This isn’t a team that can’t win. It’s a team that didn’t win. And Ron Turner had an awful lot to do with that.
It’s easy to get down on the team considering the coaching issues. But a new OC and DC might be able to negate the same old HC.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 12, 2010 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah part of me realizes they aren't that far off
but…
another few key injuries and they could go backward too
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 12, 2010 12:35 PM CST up reply actions
The same could be said for just about any team in the NFL though
Even without draft picks or major player turnover, this team is probably capable of + or – 2 or 3 wins in either direction next year depending on player performance, coaching, competition, etc…
At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised by either 10-6 or 5-8 next year. And one of those gets Lovie and extra year and the other gets everyone canned.
"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens
I agree too,
The plus side is even if the Bears have a winning record and Lovie is allowed to play out his contract, I don’t see him getting another extension. Not unless there is a NFC Championship or superbowl, in which case we’ll all probably be on board anyways.
With the way things are in the NFL...
If Lovie takes the Bears to the playoffs he’ll probably get an extension…
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 12, 2010 12:38 PM CST up reply actions
Even if,
they just go one and done? I think that might allow him to finish out his contract, but without some success in the post season I would hope no extension.
Remember this is the Bears we're talking about here!
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 12, 2010 12:44 PM CST up reply actions
Even still....
IF Love is signed to an extension, it likely involves either a raise (or at least the same pay) and I don’t see the Bears shelling out another 5.5 per without at least one playoff win in the next two years.
"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens
They do pay him a lot,
and he certainly hasn’t earned a raise or even to be making more money than other HC’s out there that perform better than he does on a more consistent basis.
Oh yeah, considering it is the Bears,
I’m completely open to managerial shenanigans, that is why I would hope it doesn’t go that way.
Even more reason not to offer an extension...
if they haven’t learned by now that he better follow up a playoff season with another before they reward him, then they’re even more hopeless than I thought. What’s the worst that can happen, Lovie decides to punish us by leaving in a snit because he doesn’t get an extension? God, I like the sound of that….
agreed.
Short of a Super Bowl win next year, I would let him play out his contract before talking extension.
"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens
You are the BLou of WCG
Not that I totally disagree with many of your points, but it’s still early. Let’s see what happens first before declaring defeat.
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
I thought BLou
was the BLou of WCG?
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"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox
by David Taylor on Jan 12, 2010 1:13 PM CST up reply actions
Pound Sand!
"...the internet is not something you just dump something on. It's not a truck. It's a series of tubes." - Sen. Ted Stevens
I don't recall
seeing the true BLou over here. If he has, I can’t imagine he’s much of a Bears/football fan.
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
Yeah,
he’s around – or at least he used to be.
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"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox
by David Taylor on Jan 12, 2010 1:26 PM CST up reply actions
Don't you understand what's happening here prophet?
They blew smoke in everyone’s face and made a few “changes” for the sake of making changes.
Furthermore… they didn’t have a true plan in place for a replacement, and didn’t act quickly enough to secure the best available. So, now… they’re picking from the bottom of the barrel, and Jay Cutler and co will be forced to learn a whole new offense from some re-tread, lame duck coach who’ll be gone after next year.
If that was your plan… you should’ve just kept Ron Turner and at least had some stability and continuity.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Don't get me wrong
It is a horrible plan, and fits right in with what the Bears usually do….drop the ball. Martz isn’t a bad one-year option, and as long as they’re able to bring Fewell aboard, then I believe they have a fighting chance. Free-agency will be huge, and JA will have to “hit” on a couple of his picks- preferably a Guard/RT and FS.
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
A "one-year" option is the whole problem with the plan.
All the time spent trying to develop your young WRs and your new franchise QB just took a giant step backwards when they all have to learn a new playbook… and then they’ll be forced to learn a whole new playbook once again in 2011.
This is a bad situation.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
I don't disagree
Phillips has put Cutler at great risk by not firing everyone and bringing in a new regime. I have absolutely no doubt Shanny would’ve come to Chicago before Washington; a perfect fit to say the least. To think he didn’t require complete control over all operations too.
Martz is like Obe-wan-kenobi in the original Star Wars….
You’re my only hope….and that’s sad!
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
they didn’t have a true plan in place for a replacement
How do you know this? Also…
and didn’t act quickly enough to secure the best available
If they would’ve hired Bates the day after the firings, you’d probably be complaining that they didn’t take their time. Methinks you’re just sour on the organization right now and there’s not a whole lot that would make you happy. I could be wrong.
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"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox
by David Taylor on Jan 12, 2010 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Bates
There was no assurance he would’ve signed until finding out what Carroll would do.
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
I agree.
I was just making a point.
By the way – I think you, in particular, are going to enjoy my post tomorrow.
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"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox
by David Taylor on Jan 12, 2010 5:45 PM CST up reply actions
I can't wait to see!
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
Wow, I like the sound of this guy
I wonder if the organization is even looking at him or even if he’d be interested. I hope we can look into him it sounds like it could be a good fit.
by Sam Householder on Jan 12, 2010 10:31 AM CST reply actions
+1
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 12, 2010 12:33 PM CST up reply actions
I actually was wondering why Shula's name hasn't been in the mix.....
As far as I’m concerned, he should be the Top candidate right now, considering the state the search is in.
As far as some people’s dispare over the coming season, I get it. Lovie is still here, and so many of us are down. But if the right DC and OC can be had, the Bears actually stand a good chance of competing for the division next year.
The talent is there. The play calling hasn’t been. I like Fewell, and as long as Lovie stays out of his way when it comes to play calling, I think he can be successful in Chicago, assuming he actually comes here. The OC is where I’m concerned. Martz scares me, as he is definitely a boom-or-bust sort of guy, with more bust than boom in recent years. The league has caught up to his scheme, it would seem. But there are guys out there who give me hope, if we can pull them here.
Ideally, I would have liked to have seen Charlie Weis here to play with Jay and the offense. Bates was my second choice. Chicago missed out on both. But guys like Shula aren’t being talked about..
Some others I find intriguing? Tom Cable would be one, assuming he gets the axe in Oakland. I know, I know. Oakland has been a mess. But I wouldn’t blame that on Cable. What I would attribute to him is the success that Oakland had this year. They played tough even when everyone counted them out. At the very least, I would tab him as a possible OL coach.
Another thought I had, again related to the Raiders, was whether anyone has checked into Lane Kiffin’s interest in returning to the NFL. He’s a hell of an OC. The problem being that he is currently a HC at Tennessee. Would he leave an HC job at the NCAA level for an OC job in the NFL.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 12, 2010 11:55 AM CST reply actions
Tom Cable? Please tell me you're friggin joking.
That guy can’t even figure out that Michael Bush is the best RB on his team.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Michael Bush was the best back, no arguments....
But he wasn’t McFadden, and we know how insistent Al Davis is on playing those top players (paid, anyways)
But Cable did a great job of keeping Oakland motivated, even though his talent level sux, unless of course you consider fast and clueless talented. This is a team that started the season in disarray, and ended up winning games that mattered, effectively killing Pittsburgh’s and Denver’s playoff hopes and Beating Two other playoff teams in Philly and Cinci. Oakland, by all accounts, should not have been in any of those games, and was heavily favored to lose all of them. No, they didn’t have a winning record. But considering all of the headaches Cable has had to deal with, he did a spectacular job. So much so that you’re seeing articles now about how Cable deserves more time as the HC in Oak-Town.
But the biggest endorsement to me was Lane Kiffin saying that he thought Cable deserved another year, and considering that Cable was the man who replaced him in such a horrible and public firing, I think that says a bit.
All of that being well and good, I would say the biggest reason that Cable is intriguing to me is that he managed to keep a team that most considered one of the worst in the league competitive enough to beat 3 playoff contenders down the stretch. And let’s face it. The Raiders won those games with a Musical Chairs QB and RB system of players that wouldn’t be starting for Detroit, and probably wouldn’t be second on the depth chart. That is something.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 12, 2010 6:48 PM CST up reply actions
I didn't know Cable called plays
Though i would take him as an assistant. i would love to see what he would do to Omiyale. Or to the rest of the oline when they underachieve. But i don’t think his fire would work well with lovie..
Kiffin has it made in Tenn right now. No way he leaves that.
The Raiders have no offensive coordinator.....
Rick Scangarello is the “passing game coordinator”. But I believe play calling falls on Cable. Another thing about Cable is that he is a huge asset to the running game. He is a former Line Coach who helped make Oakland the #6 rushing team and #6 in Red Zone Percentage in ’07. He also coached the line in Atlanta that was tops in the league in ’06 in rushing.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 12, 2010 7:09 PM CST up reply actions
The more I think about this hire the more I think picking anyone and I mean, anyone off the Saints staff would make a lot of sense. Diverse offense, committment (at times) to running the ball. Kromer has some knowledge and it can’t hurt to be led by Payton. Here is my choice, simply because he has extensive experience with Tampa Bay during their peak: Aaron Kromer
http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Team/Coaches/People/Aaron%20Kromer.aspx
The only issue with the Saints is
Head Coach Sean Peyton calls all the plays and the Bears (I’m guessing) want a guy that has experience calling plays
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 12, 2010 12:21 PM CST up reply actions
Considered that
But Kromer has been on Gruden’s staff and Payton. If one is truly a pupil, then I can’t think of two better to learn from. Pretty sure he could dial up a decent game plan and the prerequisite in game adjustments.
being a former lineman myself
I love the idea of getting a O-Line coach as the OC.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 12, 2010 12:25 PM CST up reply actions
Russ Grimm
If Lovie was fired, he would’ve been the first to call for an interview.
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
+1
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 12, 2010 6:49 PM CST up reply actions
+2...
he’s got that credibility and respect thing that the Bears have lacked for some time now!
When you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING!!!
and he would come relatively cheap as well
He’d get the offensive line in order in a real hurry.
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
Payton calls all the plays, though....
And I think that might be a problem. Assistants on the Saints are not going to have much experience with play calling. I wouldn’t be opposed to snagging some of their position coaches, though. But that’s about as likely to happen as Ditka returning.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 12, 2010 12:24 PM CST up reply actions
I agree that no play calling experience is a minus. Not a big minus for me, however. I think if you have been around the game long enough and around the right people – you comprehend what it takes. Again, just my two cents on the matter because I am not high on Martz whatsoever. The other candidates are underwhelming, imo. So, if this is truly a one and done for Lovie, why not roll the dice on a hire like this throw it against the wall? At least Kromer has been around Gruden and Payton.
We could always go for lambordi's grandson
if we are pulling fromthe saints. Wouldn’t that be crazy if he turned out to be the next coach to take us to greatness?!
considered him but think that he was just promoted to OC this season so not sure a lateral move to a team in flux would be optimum for his professional career. An unestablished play caller may be high risk, high reward but if you do the prerequisite background on the guy, it could work.
Carmicheal is the OC
Lamboridi is just the QB coach. I don’t think he is ready for an OC job yet though.
Well when you put it that way......
because I am not high on Martz whatsoever
When you put it that way, you might have a point. ;-)
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 12, 2010 6:52 PM CST up reply actions
I have no reason to dislike the guy...
but I do not see Jacksonville as the model for the offense the Bears would need to run. Thus, I’m not really sold on a “get off the bus running” mentality. I would argue that any OC would have to be the opposite to be effective. If Lovie wants to be a running team, then why get Cutler? If he wanted to be a running team, he didn’t draft anyone to fit that bill in the last 3 years. I would look for guys like Kromer or Saunders who can run a passing offense.
The problem that keeps coming up is the job security, which leaves 2 kinds of candidates:
1. Established OCs like Martz and Zorn who are not going to get any offers this year from anyone else and can get jobs down the road in TV or the like.
or
2. “No Name” assistants who are looking to make their mark with a desperate team who is willing to take a big risk.
When you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING!!!
Lovie did want a high powered Rams type offense when he was hired
he has to understand Cutler is the focal point
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 12, 2010 1:30 PM CST up reply actions
Absolutely he wanted a high powered offense when he was hired.
By design, Lovie’s D, is to be at it’s best with big leads. Get after the QB!!!
Wow, 06’ seems like so long ago…
Not to be a dick but...
what coach doesn’t want a high-powered offense?
When you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING!!!
The coach that is content with a power running game that will eat up clock, a game managing QB that will play to not make mistakes, and a defense that is incredible…
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 12, 2010 4:21 PM CST up reply actions
Lester...
no coach wants a mediocre offense built on game management. That’s what they say when they can’t assemble a good offensive team.
When you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING!!!
It's not mediocore...
just a style a coach likes. Don Shula in his early years built his teams around defense and ball control, with a power running game. As did those Steeler teams in the 70’s. Usually the defensive minded head coaches would rather the offense just play it safe and grind it out. Some coaches prefer that style.
The Buffalo Bills 4 straight SB runner up teams with the high powered K-Gun offense was on and off the field so quick the defense never had a chance to catch their breath. Many of those guys are on record as saying they wish the offense would have slowed down a bit.
And besides, my original point that he wanted a Rams style offense, which is why he hired Terry Shea!!! That didn’t work out too well…
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 13, 2010 8:39 AM CST up reply actions
While I agree it is a legitimate style...
I cannot imagine anyone wanting to not score many points. Mostly, however, why invest so much in Cutler to run the football?
When you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING!!!
Let's just consider
anyone who has ever coached the offensive side of the ball as probable candidates. This search has already reached “desperate” levels!
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
just from what
you’re hearing from the MSM. I doubt it’s as desperate as everyone is making it out to be. Bates and Clements are the only two that have actually been reached out to. That’s not really desperate… yet.
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"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox
by David Taylor on Jan 12, 2010 1:28 PM CST up reply actions
They're the only two that have been reported
There might be more to it then what’s just on the surface (MSM).
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
Might.
But as of right now, it’s all speculation and hardly reaching desperation levels, imo.
-------
"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox
by David Taylor on Jan 12, 2010 1:59 PM CST up reply actions
Here's a quote from the Comcast article via ChiSports
Conversations with individuals in and around the league make one thing clear: The Bears’ situation looks to more than a few people like a situation that is perilous at best.
This sounds a little desperate to me, but of course I could be wrong. Maybe they’re looking at some of the contenders to lose this weekend to free-up available coaches. Either way, they’re losing out on their main targets…not a great thing in my book. Fewell might be the latest to snub the Bears.
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
Well
it was the top 2 choices and when was pretty much handed the job if he wanted according to most….
"What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul...."
- Jay Cutler to Ron Turner during the season
by CloudyFuture on Jan 12, 2010 3:03 PM CST up reply actions
If the Bears we're really aggresive at all...
They’d fax over an offer sheet to Clements. They’re denied a chance to interview him by the Packers, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make him a blind offer… right?
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Think they can still block
him from coming over….or thats how I understand the way PFT explained it….
"What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul...."
- Jay Cutler to Ron Turner during the season
by CloudyFuture on Jan 12, 2010 3:11 PM CST up reply actions
+1! LOL!
I like the cut of your jib, sir!
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 12, 2010 6:53 PM CST up reply actions
Well i just read that
there is no chance of getting alex gibbs as our Oline coach. I hate you pete carrol!
Martz
Interesting take from Moon on why Bears may not be pursuing Martz as quick as we thought
And sounds like Boomer called out Martz on 670 Score.
still have time
im glad its taking longer the expected considering the lame duck situation.. feel the bears know they need to get it right and find a balanced offense.. all the great playoff teams are passing the ball and setting up the run not vice versa..
also heard word that that tewell left halas hall without a contract offer..
Too much NFL experience for the Bears
actual play calling experience in the NFL is a commodity. Like most commodities it has a “value”. In essence having any “value” worth paying for takes any OC out of contention for this organization. Why pay a guy with NFL experience the going rate when you can pay a guy with no experience much less, while having no effect on the organization’s balance sheet?
Sure hiring experienced coaches is more likely to translate into more wins than hiring an inexperienced coach. But that is all based on the false assumption that this $1 BILLION organization cares more about winning football games than spending as little $ as they can.
Negativity at its finest....
Not that I really blame you. Its hard not to be negative at this point.
But this is how I feel…. last year we are all drooling as to what the bears could have been this year. Obviously they were sadly dissapointing. Things still looking bleak.
But the season is over, the season wont start again for a long time. I dont think the Bears deserve my time to be upset, or worry or even discuss at this time. They have let me down again and i dont need to spend any more time right now following their lack of competence and smoke in mirrors BS until…. after FA heading into the second day in the draft.
Who knows…. the bears have always been the WTF team. . . since ive been watching atleast.
Maybe after last year with all of us thinking… possible superbowl and then they pull that lowsy season….maybe now after thinking they are going to SUCK !! Maybe they will suprise us again and turn out a decent season. .. . . . . im not saying SB but it would be atleast exciting to see them end with a winning record and getting in the playoffs…even if we lose to the Giants/Eagles in the first round…. still a better season than last year…. and I would be delighted in comparrison to what I have been watching the last 3 years.
maybe ol Teddy will change
his mind when nobody of quality comes here. Then he might fire lovie or demote him to water boy
If you live in Chicago you are a bears fan, if you move from chicago you stay a bears fan, if you move to chicago you will be a bears fan.
And then.....depression set in.
"Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate." ~Vince Lombardi
by Fire Ron Turner on Jan 12, 2010 3:23 PM CST reply actions
Failure still stops at the top
And that’s Ted, who gave one of the worst opening press conferences I can remember (and I remember the days of Wanny and Jauron) – he said he’s all committed to change, losing is not acceptable, blah, blah, blah – and then introduced JA. Total bootlicking company man – the McCaskey family should be ashamed of themselves, if they had any shame or pride to begin with.
I REMEMBER THAT LOVIE WANTED A HIGH POWERED OFFENSE & TERRY SHEA WAS THE ANSWER!
What happened with Terry Shea? How come it didn’t work out? Does this provide any lessons for us regarding this OC hire? Someone fill me in!
God I am hating this organization more and more
Basically no one wants to come here because Lovie is a lame-duck coach and that means we can’t get any good coaches. I mean these jerkoffs were so stupid to think that people would want to come here, even though Lovie will be fired at the end of the season. There’s no job security and all this could have been fixed if they had the balls to fire Lovie. That way we get a new coach and new everything. Who cares about a potential lockout? We all know there will never be a lockout in the NFL. The Bears have screwed themselves and I am both happy and sad. Im happy because these idiots are finally being seen around the league as being completely inept. But sad because as a Bears fan I hate to see the team in such a piss poor state
The more I read you frenchbears
the more I like you.
Not to mention....
The issue that, after the defense failed in worse ways than the offense this season, the offensive staff were the only ones to get axed, Lovie and Jerry could be viewed as the type of guys who would throw someone under the bus to save their own hides might also be an impacting element to the prospective hires.
Don’t get me wrong. Ron Turner should never have been re-hired, much less kept this long. But why were the offensive coaches the only ones to catch ire? Ultimately, doesn’t responsibility fall on Lovie? So I can see how some, like Weis and Bates, might have weighed the chances of being kept on were Lovie fired versus the prospect of being the next guy thrown under the bus.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 12, 2010 7:00 PM CST up reply actions
something tells me..
that if we don’t hear anything about an OC this week, they are still looking at assistants on teams in the playoffs. Bates, without a doubt, had to be the guy they wanted.
Watch me pull a hat outta this rabbit.
by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on Jan 12, 2010 5:27 PM CST reply actions
Not being overly critical cause I really enjoy your takes but you are posting with the premise that Lovie can find competent position coaches by getting "his" guys...
Hiring Rod Marinelli to coach the defensive line looks to be a solid decision, but time will tell.
How has our defensive line looked any better than it did last year? Lovie announced this guy as the biggest offseason move and our line (even with a former #4 overall added to the mix) still looked pedestrian. Lovie can’t identify talent. Period. I’ll spare you the rant.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I've copyrighted that rant.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
+1
Excellent rant. We can only hope Rod will develop one of the young DEs, otherwise we’re in trouble. I wouldn’t be opposed to making a run at Peppers. He’ll be overpaid, but the Bears are in a desperate situation.
"But it doesn't matter what I do, what I choose. I'm what's wrong. This is fate" - Dexter season 4....I mean Lovie season 6.
In fairness to Rod....
Playcalling probably had as much or more to do with the pedestrian line as anything else. Lovie was absolutely horrible as the DC.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 13, 2010 6:40 AM CST up reply actions
Did you think the D-Line was worse this year?
They either improved or regressed…
Sacks were up slightly. And it seemed they were getting better pressure, although I can’t find any official stats on that one.
Mark Anderson finally learned how to contain!!! Something I thought he’d never figure out. And he looked to have expanded his pass rush moves.
It’s obvious the line could use an upgrade in talent, but we can’t just discredit that everyone he’s coached sings his praises.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 13, 2010 8:56 AM CST up reply actions
From a Bama Alumnus
I thought I would share a few facts with Da Bears fans on Mike Shula. First of all, he was absolutely dreadful as a play caller at Alabama. While he was indeed hamstrung as he lost his best players to injury in 2004 and 2005, Shula’s teams were overweight, uninspired, undisciplined and always caved in the fourth quarter.
Mike Shula is a smart coach. He is a wonderful person. He was a great player at Alabama and I will always think fondly of him. However, he is an awful offensive coordinator.
If you need any proof, remember that the last team he was the OC for, the 1999 Tampa Bay Buccanneers, held the Rams to 12 points in the NFC Title game……….and lost. The Bears will be predictable and uninspiring on offense if he is the OC.
That was how long ago?
Good coaches always adapt and change
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 13, 2010 8:42 AM CST up reply actions
+1
It’s always good to hear some first-hand accounts, but to that It was this way at one point, so it will always be this way is a bit dangerous.
They got everything here from a diddled-eyed joe to damned if I know.
I think its time to find a new head coach. Its clear to me that Lovie Smith is more interested in giving his friends a job then he is the welfare of the team. I’ve set and watch some good cordinators go else were and Smith made no attempt to get them. Thanks for the effort Lovie but grow some balls and be a coach or hit the road.
Just throwing this out there
Since I’m beyond depressed at the lack of anything good this offseason I was thinking how about the Bears contacting Steve Mariucci for the OC position? I know it may not be a good and feasible idea but it’s better than the Bears are doing I know that
Mucci was never a bad OC....
He just wasn’t a good HC. I saw an article about another team (I forget which) considering him, and I thought about this, myself.
Intriguing idea, at least. And still a better one than Martz.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 13, 2010 8:00 AM CST reply actions
Raiders were unofficially considering him
Per John Clayton on ESPN news yesterday…
Unreasonable people make life difficult...
by WisBearsFan34 on Jan 13, 2010 9:51 AM CST up reply actions
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