Jeff Joniak Reporting
CHICAGO (WBBM) - Lovie Smith’s coaching staff for 2010 is complete.
Instead of going outside the organization Smith promoted Rod Marinelli to Assistant Head Coach and defensive coordinator.
That was Smith’s plan in 2004, but Tampa Bay would not let Marinelli out of his contract. Two years later, he was hired to coach the Detroit Lions.
“Rod is among the best defensive coaches in the NFL and will be an excellent defensive coordinator for us,” said Smith.
“We considered outside possibilities, but I didn’t feel our defense would benefit the same way it will with Rod in the coordinator role. I considered him for the role last year, but wanted him to have the opportunity to work exclusively with our defensive line and become acclimated to our team.”
Marinelli will still have a big role with the defensive line. The unit officially will be run by third year assistant Eric Washington.
Smith’s son, Mikal was hired as the Bears defensive quality control coach.
The offensive staff was filled out by the hiring of 49ers assistant Shane Day as quarterbacks coach and Andrew Hayes-Stoker as quality control assistant.
I guess Lovie is still jealous of one of the best defensive coordinators we ever had. Is it a coincidence that the defense has been horrendous since Ron Rivera got fired. I say dump Smith now!!!
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