What Mike Tice will bring to Chicago
by Dane Noble on Jan 16, 2010 9:14 AM CST
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There have been many questions surrounding the hiring of Mike Tice as offensive line coach; particularly why the Bears would hire an OL coach before the offensive coordinator, and why they would bring in another former NFL head coach who didn't succeed in that role.
Brad Biggs and Dan Pompei bring us a really good article on what the Tice hire means to the Bears, and what we can expect from him in the role of OL coach. A snippet:
The team signed Mike Tice to a two-year deal to be their offensive line coach. He also is expected to have a significant say in the structure of the offense. Tice has been the assistant head coach/tight ends coach for the Jaguars but is one of the league's most respected offensive line mentors.
Initially, Tice said Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio was resistant to letting him interview. But Tice reminded him they had agreed that if another team outside the AFC South offered him an opportunity to coach the offensive line, Del Rio would allow him to leave.
"I really enjoyed coaching tight ends and the group I had, but I wanted to be involved in the pits again," Tice said. "That's what I am."
Make sure you check out the full article here, as it is a really good read.
My thoughts on the hire are this:
- Olin Kreutz may still have a good year or two left in him. Per the article, Kreutz was involved in the interview process with Tice, and everyone seemed to be on the same page. If anyone can get the most out of Kreutz, it's Tice.
- The LG/ RT positions. With Kreutz still holding down the middle, CWilliams solid at the LT spot, and Garza cemented in his RG position, that leaves us with the confusion of the LG and RT spots. I think Tice will be the guy who can figure out the best way to develop Omiyale, Beekman, and (sigh) Shaffer for the future.
- Recruiting. With Tice being as good as they say he is, we'll need a good judge of talent for added depth on our OL. Depending on what he does with Omiyale (LG/RT), we'll either need a new guard or tackle, and I would trust Tice to be able to know who to bring in.
Overall, the Tice hire seems great. He knows the OL better than most in the NFL, so now we have one of the best offensive position coaches in the league to compliment one of the best defensive position coaches.
Now, if we could just find a playcaller for each side of the ball...
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That was a good read!
Hope your right about Kreutz.
I blame most of the offenses woes this season on the O-line.
I too, am confident Tice can develop these guys & bring in the right pieces.
Btw, I had know idea Tice was a college QB.
So is Marz work well with Tice
or will it be someone else like Billick
Like I said before,
The Bears’ offensive line and the team in general can’t be as bad as they seem to be. They just need coaches that can get players to play up to their maximum potential and put up a winning effort week in and week out. Hopefully, Tice is a start in that direction.
Mortenson
Fewell set 4 Bears but when Giants offered, he realized Lovie Smith & Rod Marinelli would still get some credit for any Bears turnaround.
Please find Jay Cutler some help...
That's unfortunate
I’m not sure I agree with his thought-process cause Rod has been here for a year already and this is Lovie’s 7th season, but whatever. I guess there’s less of a chance of him being overshadowed in NY than Chi.
Good hire to bring in a very tough and knowledgable O-line coach like Tice. He’ll get that group in order and at the very least upgrade their play in the running-game.
"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.
Smart move
It all begins in the trenches. Last year it was fixation on getting the QB position right. I hope that this hiring is only the
beginning of a new fixation of getting the OL right. I like his passion for the running game. I hope its contagious.
"More cowbell" - Bruce Dickinson
"More bell cow" - Lovie Smith
by Pete Dixon on Jan 16, 2010 5:27 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
good hire BUT
seems to be an odd move, hiring a position coach before the OC. maybe the potential OC candidates were all on board with tice? or maybe this is a case of just getting the best person for the job? the latter is cool, unless the OC wants to hire his own people, which is totally understandable. anyway, i really just hope the bears ran this idea by all their potential OCs. if so, great move – tice is as good an OL coach as possible, and i think he can help turn the line around very quickly. there’s talent there, but no doubt they were poorly coached.
Mike Singletary and the 49ers
did the exact same thing this past offseason.
Hired all the offensive coaches before the OC (Jimmy Raye).
It happens.
They got one right!!!!
I really feel thet Tice can help this team especially the running game and pass protection. You can be pretty sure that they ran this by Martz before hiring him. Yes I believe that Martz will be the next OC. For all of you out there waiting until next year so the Bears can hire Cowher get you heads out of the clouds. He is waiting for the NY Giants job. He will never come to Chicago.
LG / RT
So does this mean we hope to get more out of Beekman and Omyale allowing us to draft a FS or Toby Gerhart when we pick in the 3rd, not best available OLineman? Or should we hope for FA improvements to the OL?
So we now have 3 head coaches on the team. That should be good right?
In other news the Bulls have won 3 straight. And are looking playoff bound. So what team in 2010 do you not see making the playoffs. Just to change the subject.
I like Mike Tice as OL coach...
…but I don’t like the fact that our new OC didn’t get to choose him.
I think having a guy on your staff that you didn’t hire is a potential chance for conflict, and I don’t want that. So, I’m cautiously optimistic. But get an OC, already!
Also, I’m slightly terrified that a Jim Zorn will happen and Tice will get promoted to OC when we run out of other good options.
Team unity has it's place and all...
But managed conflict can also bring in innovation and change. I agree that everybody needs to be on the same page moving forward, but if everybody comes to that agreement from the exact same background and philosophy, then new ideas are never introduced until there is massive failure, turnover, and re-structuring. The best organizations bring in people from differing backgrounds and bring them all to consensus after taking the best ideas from all backgrounds.
OL
Can’t wait to see OL vs DL in training camp. LOVE THE MOVE.
What's really interesting about this hire is...
Yes, it seems really desperate and even stupid to hire the O-line coach before the Offensive Coordinator. However, in a way, Tice’s role may be almost just as important as the OC. And the Bears feel that this guy has the experience and the track record to do what Harry Heinstedt couldn’t – get this unit stabilized.
A lot of the criticism that Cutler and the offense took last year had to do with the problems on the O-line. Forte is probably a very average running back. If you give him an opening, though, he’s going to take advantage of it. There just weren’t very many places for him to run last year. If we could run-block well as a unit, it wouldn’t matter so much what side we ran toward – or when we called a run vs. a pass play. If we know that we can go out and dominate people when we have to, it will mean higher 3rd down conversion percentages and much better success in the red-zone. Whoever comes in as OC, his success is directly tied to the job that Tice and the offensive line can accomplish this year.
"Yes, risk taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking." - Jim McMahon
Well stated.
I hope he can get control of all the penalties our OL had this past season. That also had a lot to do with 3rd down conversions. Some real bad momentum stoppers at times: Mike Tice, please chew some ass. I think the OL did play a hell of a lot better the last two games. They actually had some discipline.
I will trade you three pretzel's, two bologna sandwiches, and one Lovie Smith for your pudding.
by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on Jan 16, 2010 1:32 PM CST up reply actions
Is it just me?
By Dane’s post, he and a lot of fans don’t seem to favor Kevin Shaffer. I thought he did a pretty good job at RT. He sealed the edge decently eventhough he didn’t blow anyone out when it came to the run. My concern was more with Omiyale. I don’t think I watched a whole game without seeing him false start at one time or another, or watching the opponents DL swallow him up on the way to hit or sack Jay. Did anyone else think Kreutz had a really bad season? I can’t remember a year seeing him get knocked on his back-side as much as he did this past year. I read the entire article and I do feel confident that Tice can get the most out of our guys on our OL. I just hope they get some FA help when it comes to the OL and use the draft for our defensive secondary. Some FA OL are : Logan Mankins, 28 years old – OG – New England, Daryn Colledge, 28 years old – OG – Green Bay, Willie Colon, 27 years old – RT – Pittsburgh. These are some guys that the Bears might take a look at?
I will trade you three pretzel's, two bologna sandwiches, and one Lovie Smith for your pudding.
by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on Jan 16, 2010 1:19 PM CST reply actions
We definately should try to pick up at least one free agent lineman
I have a feeling that Mankins will get franchised if the Patriots can’t sign him, but the Bears should definately be talking to his agent as soon as possible. As far as the others, they would be worth a look, too.
"Yes, risk taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking." - Jim McMahon
A young guard would be our best option.
I think that is our biggest need on the line. We have the cap room we should be able to find someone worth while.
I agree about Dane not liking Shaffer
we had a discussion around week 11 about Shaffer and he was expressing his disapproval of him.
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Jan 16, 2010 2:45 PM CST up reply actions
Was he playing RT at the time?
I didn’t think they moved him there until closer to the end of the season.
I will trade you three pretzel's, two bologna sandwiches, and one Lovie Smith for your pudding.
by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on Jan 16, 2010 7:38 PM CST up reply actions
or right around week 11?
I will trade you three pretzel's, two bologna sandwiches, and one Lovie Smith for your pudding.
by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on Jan 16, 2010 7:48 PM CST up reply actions
He was at RT
maybe it was around week 13 or something I don’t remember exactly but it was when he was moved there for the first time with Chris moving to LT.
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Jan 16, 2010 10:15 PM CST up reply actions
I think you're exactly right
When you want to pull a man from another squad, it’s important that you have the personnel in place to make it an attractive situation. Mike Tice being the line coach makes it a very attractive opportunity for these young men to come in and be better linemen making a lot of noise. All that ends up increasing their worth.
I think the Bears look to established veterans for the OL, and draft in the secondary, and Tice’s hiring tips this pretty loudly.
I wouldn't be surprised
to see one or maybe two new faces on the O-line next year. Omiyale & Schaffer were brought in to fit a blocking scheme that will likely (hopefully) change before next season. I have no doubt Tice will be able to get that whole group to play at a higher level but I think his input on bringing in new, more effective talent that might better fit in the new offense will be valuable as well. We may be hamstrung in the draft but good linemen are always available in the later rounds and some veteran free agents should be out there as well.
What will Mike Tice bring to Chicago?
A box of No. 2 pencils.
"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)
.
Seeing if the joke catches on
on another thread huh?
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Jan 16, 2010 2:47 PM CST up reply actions
funny the first time, and still funny
I will trade you three pretzel's, two bologna sandwiches, and one Lovie Smith for your pudding.
by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on Jan 16, 2010 7:41 PM CST up reply actions
I sincerely HOPE
that they dont think that they think that a new coach will improve the O line….I mean that was the same reasoning when they brought marinilli here….“Hey rods here! Everyone is going to get 10-15 sacks now!”….
The right side of the line avged 2.8 yards a carry and the middle 2.5 while the left jumped up to 5 yards a carry when Williams took over LT according to ESPN 1000…..I at least hope they bring in some competition but some how I think that wont happen for some reason…..
"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
You should also think
that our O-line had 3 new starters last season and you need to give them time to gel. Especially with all the changes to the line that happened during the season it really didn’t give anyone a chance to get comfortable with one another in their respective positions.
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Jan 16, 2010 4:39 PM CST up reply actions
meh...
What took the OLine so long to gel last season was the decision to cement Oldlando Pace as the starting LT. It wasn’t until an injury to Pace that our starting LT of the future got a chance to play LT, such typical Bears BS.
I understand the point about “gelling” (i’ve seen the Dr. Scholl’s commercials), but that is no excuse for getting manhandled by their defensive counterparts on just about every play.
When you have
Omiyale and Williams playing unfamiliar positions you are typically going to have some problems being successful especially when the guys are unfamiliar with each other to begin with. At least coming into this season, Tice will have his line set in the positions they are going to play without any mix and matched lines going out during different weeks and the players will know who is lining up next to them each game.
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Jan 16, 2010 7:10 PM CST up reply actions
I think this move is more important than OC
I can’t remember if it was Cedric Benson who said this or someone else but one of the reason Benson ran better in Cincy than in Chicago was because of the blocking scheme. The scheme didn’t fit Cedirc’s running style. Having a guy in Tice who has a philosophy and can get guys in the right position on that O-line is invaluable. I don’t think we get to week 13 before Williams plays on the left side if Tice was here last year. Who knows but i think having an experienced guy with a plan is crucial.
Whatever blocking scheme they run in Cincy
It was opening up holes for Benson to run through. Their line totally dominated our front 4 when we played the Bengals.
"Yes, risk taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking." - Jim McMahon
credentials are great but
if they don’t work on improving the personnel for the line it’s going to be pretty ineffectual regardless of coaching. unless of course the new OC just lets cutler run everything. bears still won’t win a lot of games but they would be a lot more exciting then.
About Roberto Garza
I wouldn’t say he’s cemented in his position. This guy has shown an increasing amount of penalties and mistakes, and his years are catching up on him.
I think Garza is definitely staying for now
Since we already need to upgrade at the other guard and should look into right tackle. There’s just only so many places you can replace on the line in a year.
by BoxingHideout on Jan 16, 2010 11:05 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
whats with
all the negativity with Shaffer? He was a beast towards the end of the year, and once they actualy put him at his natural RT position he kicked butt. If anybody should have a sigh by their name it should be (sigh) Omiyale
"If you call them, they will come." - Jerry Angle/Lovie Smith after vacating the OC spot
This is what being a Bear fan has come to?
Rejoicing and feeling optimistic because and OL coach was hired? Just like last year with the new DL coach and Lovie the Wizard calling the defense. Just like all the optimism watchnig Cutler throw in 7 on 7 drills where no one gets hit.
This roster is firmly behind the Viking and Packers and with no high draft picks and holes up and down the defensive side of the ball where there are zero youngimpact players its going to be years before they can hope to compete for anything more than an 8 win season.
That is what being a Bear fan means under this regime.
by Duck99 on Jan 17, 2010 11:32 AM CST via mobile reply actions
I'm optimistic about Tice and Bears in 2010
I think Mike Tice is a great addition to the coaching staff. He’s had success with OLs in the past. Let’s hope he can sure up the line so the Cutler can have a few seconds to drop back. An improved line should lead to improvements with Forte.
by South Jersey Wedding Photographer on Jan 18, 2010 7:16 PM CST reply actions
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