The Bear’s Den, January 22, 2021

THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

BEARRRSSSS

Exodus of Chicago Bears Assistant Coaches Continues - Sports Illustrated Chicago Bears News, Analysis and More - Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy must replace at four coaches as running backs coach Charles London has left to become quarterbacks coach for Atlanta and passing game coordinator Dave Ragone will join the same team as offensive coordinator.

Tough Cash Call Ahead for Chicago Bears on Akiem Hicks - Sports Illustrated - Dealing or cutting Akiem Hicks could save the Chicago Bears needed cash against the cap for 2021 but would their defense and team in general be able to sustain a hit of this magnitude?

Chicago Bears Mock Draft 1.0 for BearDigest.com - Sports Illustrated - Who does a computer model make available for BearDigest.com to select for the Chicago Bears in the 2021 draft’s first three rounds?

Bears’ Dave Ragone hired as Falcons’ offensive coordinator - 670 The Score - Bears passing game coordinator Dave Ragone has been hired as the Falcons’ new offensive coordinator, leaving another void on coach Matt Nagy’s staff.

Do the Bears retain Graham or release him for cap savings? - 670 The Score - The Bears got the player they hoped for in signing veteran tight end Jimmy Graham, who led Chicago with eight receiving touchdowns in 2020. But the team faces a complex question about his value for 2021.

Jets, Dolphins new favorites to trade for Deshaun Watson - 670 The Score - Has Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson’s frustration with Houston’s mismanagement fractured their relationship beyond repair? Since Watson’s unhappiness with the Texans became public knowledge, trade speculation has taken over.

Matt Nagy Would Love to Deal for Deshaun Watson Says Analyst - Sports Illustrated - Saying Matt Nagy would love Deshaun Watson is a bit like reporting water to be wet but Louis Riddick said this on ESPN Thursday and he should know as a former co-worker of Nagy’s.

Chicago Bears’ QB search begins again for 2021 – The Athletic - When it comes to formulating a plan for the player-acquisition period, the franchise’s next move at QB means everything for Pace and Nagy.

Jay Rodgers leaving Chicago Bears coaching staff - Chicago Tribune - As Matt Nagy works to hire a defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, he is expected to have at least one more hiring to make on his coaching staff.

Column: Chicago Bears’ lack of changes at top are confusing - Chicago Tribune - That “No Outlet” sign on the road the Chicago Bears veered down last season? Pay it no mind. After a second straight 8-8 season and a lopsided playoff loss, the Bears concluded that no changes were necessary at the top.

Bears DL coach Jay Rodgers heading to Chargers - Chicago Sun-Times - Defensive line coach Jay Rodgers, one of the Bears’ best position coaches, is leaving the team, a source confirmed late Wednesday night.

Bears passing game coordinator Dave Ragone named Falcons’ offensive coordinator - Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears also are expected to lose running backs coach Charles London, who is likely to be named the Falcons’ quarterbacks coach. That leaves Matt Nagy with three — or four — coaching vacancies.

Chicago Bears: Dave Ragone, Charles London leaving staff - Chicago Tribune - The Atlanta Falcons have named former Chicago Bears pass game coordinator Dave Ragone as their offensive coordinator. NFL Network reported Bears running backs coach Charles London also will join the Falcons as their quarterbacks coach.

RIP TED THOMPSON

Ted Thompson, former Packers general manager, has died at age 68 - Acme Packing Company - After dealing with an autonomic condition for the past few years, the man with a legendary eye for talent has passed away.

Remembering Ted Thompson’s football life, from linebacker to Super Bowl-winning architect - Acme Packing Company - Thompson devoted his life and livelihood to the game he loved. Here’s a look back at his journey.

Ted Thompson’s legacy may be complicated for Packers fans, but his impact is undeniable - Acme Packing Company - Ted Thompson will go down as one of the most consequential figures in Packers history, building a Super Bowl team with bold decisions and impactful drafts. His place in Green Bay lore is assured even if his tenure wasn’t perfect.

Ted Thompson, former Packers general manager, dies at 68 - NFL.com - A veteran personnel man, Ted Thompson spent all but five of his 26 years in NFL front offices with the Packers. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy: 'Yes, I do want to be a head coach' - NFL.com - With one open coaching gig left, Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy remains unsigned. As he did during last year's Super Bowl week, Bieniemy has taken being passed over time and time again in stride.

Trent Baalke on No. 1 pick: There are no easy decisions in the NFL - ProFootballTalk - The Jaguars have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft and the heavy expectation is they’ll use it to select Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

NFL Awards 2020: PFF's picks for NFL MVP, offensive and defensive players of the year, top rookies and more | NFL News, Rankings and Statistics | PFF - With the clock winding down to Super Bowl LV, PFF's Sam Monson takes to the stage to present PFF's annual awards, giving out NFL MVP honors, naming the rookies of the year and more.

KNOW THINE ENEMY

Lions’ new coach Dan Campbell’s press conference hypes team, Detroit - RSN - It remains to be seen whether the Lions bite will be as strong as their new bark.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Wiltfong: Chicago Bears assistant coach news and rumors - Windy City Gridiron - The Chicago Bears have officially lost one assistant coach, but a couple others are on the way out.

Salo: Bears Are Interviewing 4-3 Defensive Coordinators. Could a Change Be In the Works? - Windy City Gridiron - With some of the latest Defensive Coordinator interviews, it’s worth exploring whether the Bears could be considering a change to a base 4-3 defense.

THE RULES

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Check out Lester talking some Bears right around the 29:30 mark!