Thread: If There's Any Reason At All For A Coaching Change This Is It..............

This thread was posted as a criticism and diatribe of the coaching of Mike Tice as OC. I've suggested that had Jeremy Bates been allowed more say in the design of the offense, game plans and play calling itself we may have had better results. I've also suggested that if Lovie is allowed to remain as the Bears HC in 2013 that Bates would be the logical choice to be made OC and maybe the only choice since many others as qualified or more wouldn't come to Chicago with Lovie on a one year leash.

Here's what I've been saying about an offense led by and plays called be Jeremy Bates when he was coaching in Denver during the Shanahan era. It's true that this was "Shanny's" offense but Bates was the de facto OC AND the play caller. To not give Bates credit is to also not give Rod Marnelli credit as the Bears DC because it's "Lovie's Defense".

Cutler and Marshall had Pro Bowl years in just there 3rd years in the NFL, Ryan Clady was a rookie LT and Eddie Royal was chosen for several All Rookie teams and was a candidate for NFL OROY. Look at what Bates was able of accomplish with the Broncos passing game under an offensive minded HC vs what he's been able to accomplish here under Lovie and Tice.

During that season, Brandon Marshall went for over 100 catches, but unlike this season with the Bears, there were other receivers with good production, too.


The Broncos had two tight ends with over 30 catches apiece. Kellen Davis will be lucky to get to 20 receptions this year.


Eddie Royal had 91 receptions that season with five touchdowns. Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Alshon Jeffery, Eric Weems and Dane Sanzenbacher have combined for 68 receptions so far, with only five touchdowns collectively.


What has irked me for weeks is that we have an option available in Jeremy Bates who had led and called plays for a very productive NFL offense yet Lovie has chosen not to use him in that manner. The same Lovie Smith who has crowed about the talents of Kellen Davis and continues to try making or demands his OC try making an NFL WR out of Devin Hester when we have more accomplished player sitting on the bench or are inactive each week.

If Lovie is fired you can add this to the list of his many errors in judgement and mark it as just one more example of his monumental stubbornness. There are just too many examples of poor judgement at both the player and the coaching levels that have cost this team games and opportunities for playoff berths and championships. Phil Emery must address this.

I find it strange when I hear "well Bates is running the passing game". Really? You mean with that stubborn hammerhead Tice who not only foisted and insisted o-line mistake after mistake and the guy who only when virtually everyone went on crutches or the injured list then he FINALLY relented in changing somewhat his approach to play calling? Think he would give up an ounce of his power? Really?

I don't think Bates is foisting this "Hester Experiment" nor not using Forte in the passing game for the first 3/4 of the season. Nor do I believe he stopped the rollouts either.

So now it's bumping the blame from Lovie, and Tice, now the assistant to the assistant for the trainwreck. WTF ever...

Soul, you make some great points. As badly as our offense is performing, why not let Bates try his hand at calling the plays. I don't see any downside to this, at this point. And there is a ton of potential upside. Maybe the guy can shine for us.

It just seems like a win/win situation at this point.

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

It's been rumored he is taking a larger part in the passing game though. Whether it's true or not I don't know, but w/Cutler in there it wouldn't surprise me; hell it's why Bates was brought in to get the pass game going. The idea that he's had nothing to do w/this Offense is laughable.

The coaching is so dysfunctional, you never know what is going on. Maybe Jerry Angelo is still running it all - and calling the plays from his living room, in front of his 19" TV set. Lovie's headset probably hasn't worked for years.......just listening to elevator music.

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

It's been rumored he is taking a larger part in the passing game though. Whether it's true or not I don't know, but w/Cutler in there it wouldn't suprise me; hell it's why Bates was brought in to get the pass game going. The idea that he's had nothing to do w/this Offense is laughable.

I would think Tice takes certain ideas or plays from Bates but the idea he cedes any power is even more laughable. Either way it's bad.

Originally Posted by short faced bear

I would think Tice takes certain ideas or plays from Bates but the idea he cedes any power is even more laughable. Either way it's bad.

According to Cutler (in his presser today), you (the fan) don't know what play is called so you (as fans) cant pin blame on anyone. Seems like he is trying to defend his OC. Whomever that may be.....