The Bears Den: January 23, 2015 - Postseason Chicago Bears news & notes

Bears add two more to coaching staff - Larry Mayer: The Bears on Thursday reached agreements with Frank Smith to become their tight ends coach and Jason George to serve as their strength and conditioning coach.

New Bears OC means new concerns - Steve Rosenbloom: How much credit does an OC deserve when Peyton Manning is the QB? What's the best way to work with Jay Cutler? Does Gase know how to use a running game?   Dan Durkin: Bears up coaching talent again with Adam Gase.  Moon Mullin: A deeper look at the 'problem' with Gase.

X&Os - Dan Durkin: Breaking down Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme.

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Fox's experience appealed to Bears - Larry Mayer: John Fox's 13 years of experience as an NFL head coach in Carolina and Denver was one of the main attributes that made him such a perfect fit for the Bears.

Former boss: Ryan Pace 'made a lot of great decisions' - Patrick Finley: Pace, who signed a four-year contract and was named the new Bears GM 15 days ago, "absolutely" chose the right head coach in John Fox, Mickey Loomis said.

Processing Mel Kiper's re-grade of Bears' 2014 draft - Michael C. Wright: Chicago's new grade is worse than the B-minus originally handed out in the aftermath of the Bears' draft, based on the total value added based on where he had originally ranked the players.

Bears equipment manager in charge of Super Bowl XLIX game balls - Kevin Seifert: As per its custom, the NFL will use a modified set of procedures to prep game balls for Super Bowl XLIX, including independent equipment managers and ball attendants.

Team notes - Patrick Finley: Tony Medlin to be in charge of game balls and arranging for ball-boy crews for Super Bowl; Bears hire two more coaches; notes on the draft.

[Video] SportsTalk Live - The panel discuss the Bears' hiring of Adam Gase as offensive coordinator.

[Video] - Dave Wannstedt: Cutler will benefit from having Adam Gase.

[Video] - Andrew Brandt discusses why Adam Gase and Jay Cutler's relationship will be closely watched during the 2015 season.

Photos - ChicagoBears.com: Over the last two seasons the Broncos, with Adam Gase as offensive coordinator, led the NFL in scoring offense, total offense and passing offense.

[Video] Barry Sanders reflects on the all-time greatest backs - Hall of Famer discusses the talent of Walter Payton, Jerome Bettis and himself.

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Ditka - Former Bears coach Mike Ditka is stumping for Gridiron Greats by offering to Prancercise if football fans donate $100,000 [with Video of offer].

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Senior Bowl - Greg Gabriel: News and notes from Mobile, day 2 ... Rob Rang: Utah's Nate Orchard blooming for North ... Rich Campbell: Notre Dame's Ben Koyack looks to strike chord with scouts ... Dan Wiederer: Former Lane Tech standouts Laken Tomlinson, Louis Trinca-Pasat look to make mark.

Deflate-gate is just one of '15's many dumb sports controversies - Will Leitch: The worst part is we're not even sure where Deflate-gate ranks on 2015's list of moronic sports controversies, let alone the all-time list. Fred Mitchell: Ex-Bear Kevin Butler downplays deflated football flap.

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