clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

The Bears Den: January 4, 2012

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Bear_s-den2_medium_medium_medium

"...where we're in the solution business."

Bears make change at general manager Mayer: The Bears won four NFC North titles in Jerry Angelo's 11 years as general manager. But the widening gap between the team and its division rivals cost him his job.

Martz won't be back with Bears in 2012 Offensive coordinator Mike Martz, whose contract ran through the 2011 season, will not return to the Bears in 2012. Ted Phillips interview

Optimism over Bears' overhaul muted by Smith's power play Haugh: Somehow Lovie Smith, with two seasons and $10 million left on his contract, emerged after an 8-8 season as the most powerful man in the building; a fact unlikely to change after the Bears hire Jerry Angelo's replacement.

Follow WCG on Twitter: You need this.

Smith farewells – good-bye to Angelo, Martz Moon: For Smith, it will be his fourth offensive coordinator hiring, after Terry Shea (2004), Ron Turner (2005) and Martz (2010). CSN's Moon, Kip, more...

Smith emerges with power in Bears' shuffle Mulligan: It's easy to get bogged down in details and question the absurdity of the proceedings. Allowing the coach to assist in GM search is classic Bears.

Inconsistency of line stands out in defense's year-end grades Pompei: The defense rarely was the reason the Bears lost, but it didn't provide enough big plays, especially at critical times.

Marinelli locked up for next two seasons McClure: Defensive Coordinator signed a contract extension before the 2011 season, a deal the Bears never announced because Marinelli preferred to keep it quiet.

Silverman: Angelo Firing Richly Deserved George McCaskey has emphatically spun the Bears in a new direction.

Bears in 'solution business' by firing Jerry Angelo Greenberg: The Bears should look at the top of the standings to find their own Theo. Martz's departure could open door for Tice

Building around Cutler has to be a priority for Bears Bowen: With new GM, OC coming to town, QB needs to be the focus.

Inside Slant: QB depth behind GM cuts Corbett: Bill Polian and Jerry Angelo, whose teams met in Super Bowl XLI, were dismissed within a 24-hour span that rocked the league.

Jerry Angelo, Jeff Fisher in the news at start of busy offseason Peter King has thoughts.

Little Fury Things: