Bears' choice remains on hold

[dabears54]

Bears' choice remains on hold



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February 1, 2010
BY NEIL HAYES nhayes@suntimes.com

Sunday came and went with no news on the Bears' quest to replace offensive coordinator Ron Turner.

Sources said Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers impressed many at Halas Hall when he interviewed with coach Lovie Smith and met with other coaches and front-office personnel Thursday. Mike Martz interviewed with Smith on Friday and flew to quarterback Jay Cutler's offseason home Saturday in Nashville, Tenn., to meet with him.

Martz would have to get Cutler out of some bad habits.

''Of all the quarterbacks I've seen, Jay hates throwing the ball away more than anybody,'' NFL Network analyst Joe Theismann said. ''He needs to learn that not every throw needs to be a touchdown. During a point in the season, he seemed determined not to throw to anybody but Greg Olsen. He has to get over the periods where he doesn't care and throws it in there.''

Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo are believed to want to bring what has been a long and drawn-out process to a close sooner rather than later. However, multiple sources said they heard nothing from the team's two decisionmakers Sunday, although Martz and Rogers remain the front-runners.

According to sources, it's possible there could be some disagreement -- however strong or mild -- between Smith and Angelo as to how to proceed.

Sources have said Martz has been Smith's top choice from the start. The two worked together before, with Smith serving as Martz's defensive coordinator with the St.Louis Rams from 2001 to '03.

Angelo said during the news conference announcing that Turner and several of his assistants had been dismissed that Smith would ultimately be responsible for filling the vacancies. Still, Angelo likely has input in the matter.

[dabears54]

Bears face tough decision between Martz, Rogers

FT. LAUDERDALE -- NFL front office types are paid big bucks to make tough decisions. Well, it's time for the certain members of the Chicago Bears organization to earn their money, because choosing between Mike Martz and Kevin Rogers for the team's vacant offensive coordinator position is no easy task.

It's clear exactly what's at stake here: Lovie Smith must make the playoffs in 2010 to keep his job.

But which potential coordinator gives Smith the best chance to win right away?

Conventional wisdom says Martz offers the highest odds of a quick turnaround because of the experience factor. The reviews on Rogers have been great from his former and current players, but he's never called plays during an NFL game. On the other hand, Martz has a wealth of experience running offenses in St. Louis, Detroit and San Francisco, not to mention a successful stint as Rams' head coach on his resume.

However, Martz has historically run a very pass-happy offense that values premiere pass protection from tackles and tight ends, while placing a somewhat lower priority on the run game. Do the Bears have the proper personnel to make that type of system work? There is nothing wrong with players being pushed outside of their comfort zone, but would that philosophy be asking too much from guys on the current roster? As my colleague Neil Hayes at the Chicago Sun Times pointed out, Rogers is said to favor the West Coast style of offense, which would be much easier for everybody to run and learn during offseason workouts and training camp.

Then there's the topic of connecting with players on and off the field. Rogers is said to be very charismatic and would no doubt be a big hit in the locker room. But does it really matter how the players feel on the subject? After all, the Bears have missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, so one could argue the players have forfeited the right to make any noise about the hire. We all know Jay Cutler is involved in the process, and even though he had or possibly still has reservations about Martz, winning can cure all those problems.

This should not be about personalities. This should not be a popularity contest. This should not be about hiring old friends.

This should be about winning.

Smith doesn't have time to worry about the other stuff.

[claymore58]

Lovie still doesn't get it obviously,go ahead hire another cronie,
it will hasten your exit from Chicago.
Make the dash for cash and buy a ranch far from chicago.