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As first reported by Jay Glazer, the Bears have named Mike Tice Offensive Coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 2012 season.
Bears promoting Mike Tice to offensive coordinator, putting him in charge of run game and pairing him w a passing game coach. Tice is OC tho
This move is pretty logical. Promoting Mike Tice gives the ability to tie the futures of the coaching staff together after 2012, and is more enticing for a new General Manager than the prospect of hiring a possibly one and done coordinator. Now, if a new GM decides to clean house, they can go with a completely fresh start after the next season if they so choose.
Additionally, it works for Lovie Smith-it's commonly held opinion that during the season, Tice's desire to keep the ball on the ground more ties into Lovie Smith's off-the-bus running approach. That likely had as much to do with it as anything.
On the other hand...a passing game coach? That's a little odd, but the 49ers do it, and they're doing pretty well with it. Additionally, it will allow Tice the opportunity to continue working with the offensive line, which was the main reason he was brought to town in the first place.
The question remains, though...could that be something that Jay Cutler could/should have been more of a part of? With Tice having little actual play-call experience, this could prove to be a blessing in disguise or the nail in the coffin of coach Lovie Smith.