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Mike Martz hired as Bears' offensive coordinator

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By Brad Biggs

The search is over.

Twenty-seven days after the Bears set out to find a new offensive coordinator, they have hired a man who was one of the most logical choices from the start, passing wizard Mike Martz.

Martz will be charged with turning around the Bears' dismal offense and doing it quickly with quarterback Jay Cutler, someone he was pining to work with even during last season

"They hired my main man,'' said running back Kevin Jones, who played under Martz with the Lions. "I love it. He was the best offensive coordinator out there.

"I think it's false information when people say he doesn't run the ball. He just has to have the back who can run the ball and catch the ball. Obviously, he did it with Marshall (Faulk). I did it in Detroit. The one season I was healthy, I had 61 catches in 12 games.''

Martz becomes the third offensive coordinator during the Lovie Smith era and potentially the last if the coaching staff doesn't turn things around. That's what the news conference the team held Jan. 5 insinuated. Team president Ted Phillips has demanded an immediate turnaround after three straight seasons without a trip to the playoffs.


Martz hired Smith as the defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams in 2001 when he was still directing one of the most potent offenses in the history of the NFL, the Greatest Show on Turf. Since, Martz has served as the offensive coordinator in Detroit, coaxing a 4,000-yard season out of Jon Kitna, and in San Francisco before being let go after the 2008 season.

He sat out this last year and did some work for NFL Network, criticizing Cutler for his demeanor in a postgame press conference following the season-opening loss at Green Bay. Martz and Cutler are in this thing together now as they look to reach new heights now that Ron Turner and most of his staff has been let go.

Martz won out over Kevin Rogers, the Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach who interviewed at Halas Hall Thursday. Martz arrived Friday afternoon and the last man to meet with Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo got the job. He'll work with new offensive line coach Mike Tice on revamping the offense and the Bears must hire a quarterbacks coach and tight ends coach, as well as a defensive coordinator.

Smith and Angelo also interviewed Ken Zampese and Rob Chudzinski. The Bears failed in their bid to interview Jeremy Bates, Tom Clements and Frank Cignetti.

Photo: Mike Martz with the Rams in 2006. (Elsa / Getty Images)

19 Comments

Kendall Davis on February 2, 2010 8:15 PM

You can't blame Lovie Smith because he works for the cheapest owners in football.With that i believe hiring Mike Martz won't mean a thing until they put some real offensive talent on the field.I often hope they would sell the team,the owners ought to be fired.But i guess we'll see if they spend the money to get quality players; i love the Bears and always will so i pray we can get to the playoffs and get my beloved Chicago another super bowl championship. Hell it's been to long. Let's go guys.

Good thing he still wanted the job after they spent a month being humiliated by guys you never heard of and rejected by one coach for a job with the Raiders.

Aaron Rogers on February 1, 2010 10:31 PM

Haha. Who cares? They could have Jesus be the offensive coordinator and they'd still suck.

Greatest show on dirt on February 1, 2010 10:20 PM

How many sacks do you think the Bears would have given up this past year if we had statue QB's like Kitna or Warner playing. I think a lot of people here underestimate Cutler's mobility and ability to move around in the pocket and extend the play. Here's how I see it.

1. Lovie is all in this year and so is Martz. I don't think Martz would have taken this job and hopped aboard the sinking lovie ship if he was told to water down his system and run the ball more than he would like.

2. First thing Martz will do is take a thorough look at the Bear WR's. If he feels they will not be able to run his system they will be gone or back running back kickoffs. Through the draft, free agency and the scrap heap he will get WR's who can run his system. Holt was the only WR for the Rams that would be called a speed WR and even he was not as fast as Hester or Knox. His system needs WR's that know what their doing on every play and execute their route every play. If Hester or Knox can do this with their speed it will be a plus.

3. The reason the Rams always had over 100 receptions to their RB's is because they considered it an extension to their running game. The completion percentage to the RB's was over 90% and these plays averaged over 6 yds a play.

4. The Bears will be switching to a man blocking scheme on offense instead of the zone blocking they used this year. A lot easier for an offensive line to grasp and with Tice managing the line they should do a quite a bit better than last year. It's harder to get pressure up the middle against a man blocking scheme and when teams blitz from the outside the RB usually chips him and rolls to the flat as a relief valve.

5. The Peckers played on dirt most of the years that Farve was their QB. Last time I checked it was pretty cold and windy up there too. They ditched that running bus Lovie talks about a long time ago. They have been a pass to set up the run team for a long time and have had an above average passing team also. I don't see why we can't do it here. Its about time we send that bus into "pimp my ride".

Doesn't matter the bears will go 5-11 next year and finish in last place.They can hire every offensive genius in nfl history they still have garbage personall and have to play REAL Teams like the packers and vikings who are far more superior.Sorry

Kyle Orton on February 1, 2010 8:56 PM

I never win...

Teams always lose with me and we miss the playoffs!!!

Martz has always been a solid OC. Actually, he's always been good with everything other than clock management, where he was a major disaster as a HC. As long as Cutler remembers to throw to the players in the same jerseys the Bears will score points. But, Cutler has got better coaches than Martz, Smith, and Turner fired before.

Harry Callahan on February 1, 2010 8:39 PM

This will be either a boom or bust. I'm hoping for a boom but after the Cutler fiasco last season I'm not so sure. --DH

rock bottom...truly rock bottom.

The guy who commented "Let the turnovers begin" must have forgotten Cutler's 2009/2010 record setting 27 interceptions. The Bears hired an experienced coordinator. I'm happy about that.

"Cutler will break every passing record the Bears have next season."

________

That won't be difficult to do. Don't most of the Bears QB records go back to Sid Luckman?

i don't get it, if Lovie wants to run the ball and Martz wants to pass it how is this gonna work? and it's the dumbest thing i've ever heard of having Martz go to Nashville to speak Cutler! what the HELL! is that about! i see no good coming of this, especially when Cutler starts throwing tantrums and you know their coming. GOOD LUCK! i won't be getting the nfl ticket this year!!!!!!!!

I don't understand all the Kyle Orton posts, didn't he actually win games when our other quarterbacks sucked?

Can't wait til next year when Angelo, Martz, and Lovie are all FIRED!!!! LET THE JIM HARBAUGH COUNTDOWN BEGIN!!!

Hope the Bears receivers are intelligent enough to grasp this offense. But I don't see it. Its no secret that the Bears don't have the smartest players in the league.

Until the Bears get an offensive line that can block, protect the quarterback and move the defensive line back the Bears will continue to lose. Build a good line first.

yesssssssssssssss on February 1, 2010 6:18 PM

Get ready for the second greatest turf on earth....Bears offense will rank in the top 5 next season.

Mike_from_Chicago on February 1, 2010 6:14 PM

The Bears already have their Defensive Coordinator - Marinelli. They just haven't announced it yet.

Greg Olsen.... it was nice watching you!
Seriously, you all think Martz will make this offense better? Keep dreaming!
The greatest show on grass......

=================
And you think he will make the offense worse??? They have had a terrible offense for a couple of decades now. He can't do any worse.

Greg Olsen.... it was nice watching you!
Seriously, you all think Martz will make this offense better? Keep dreaming!
The greatest show on grass......

Get better players and it won't much matter who's coaching.

I repeat -- GET BETTER PLAYERS.

THE BEARS ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!!!!

------------------
Is anyone else completely sick of this tired quote? It was stale two years ago, but people can't stop with it. Ugghhh...

The_teller_of_Truths on February 1, 2010 5:44 PM

Let the turnovers begin!!!

Dennis Green on February 1, 2010 5:37 PM

THE BEARS ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!!!!

The Big Dipper on February 1, 2010 5:37 PM

And while you're at it, bring back Kyle Orton! Ron Turner + Kyle Orton = Bears Superbowl!

Can't say this is a total suprise, I think we all knew Lovie's bed buddy Martz was going to end up here in Chicago, seems to me this is who the Bears wanted from the very beginning. After the season they can both be fired together. Lovie and Martz from St. Louis and Marinelli from the Lions, both are very successful teams *gags*

senorbungle on February 1, 2010 5:35 PM

This guy has done some great things and terrible. Maybe with an all around back like Forte and young receivers looking to prove themselves it might work. I put more of the weight on Cutler shoulders to use good judgement. He was the sole reason this team went 7-9 and not 9-7 (49ers and opening night against the Packers). Healthy Urlacher maybe would've brought it up 10 or 11 wins. As much as I wanted a coaching upgrade this offseason, crying about it isnt gonna change what's done. Optimism is what Chicago sports are all about. When its crushed at the end of every year ERASE THE SLATE!!!

The Big Dipper on February 1, 2010 5:33 PM

Terrible hire! Bring back Ron Turner!

Seedy Backslash on February 1, 2010 5:22 PM

All that stumping that Martz did this past season for the job certainly paid off. From the time he ripped Cutler for being a crybaby to jetting down to Nashville to bow before the Bonehead, it was all contrived to get him the job.

Ignored by the rest of the NFL, the Bears were the only home he could find... and Martz knew it.

Hope he resurrects his career or destroys Lovie's. Either way, the Bears will be better long term.

I'm thinking the Bears go 7-9 this season.

Wow, two years in a row the Bears best free agent signing is a coach!!! Only in Lovie-land does this make sense.

I agree with craig....you all must be whitesox fans

chitownbear on February 1, 2010 5:12 PM

Not who I was looking for, it does not give us a chance to create a new identity as a team. If Martz has learned balance while he's been out of the league, he could help, but if he doesn't and Cutler throws 20 or more picks next season we are doomed to not make the playoffs, and that is the task that must be acheived to save this current regime....Good Luck Lovie and Jerry your'e going to need it in 2010....Go Bears

Fact-o-life on February 1, 2010 5:05 PM

Well, even if Martz has success in improving the offense...I don't see any improvement on the defensive side. Therefore, instead of loosing by 17-20 points, the Bears will only loose by 10-14 points. Yee-ayh Cover-2! GOOOOOO LOVIE!

Wow.....so many gloom and doom people out there. Whatever happened to being optimistic?

Ca.has four football teams. Chi, should at lease have two, being back the chicago Cardinals. Happy days again.

well, the play will either be a run or a pass. i find it impossible to believe that all these fans know when the Bears are running off left tackle, or right tackle, or sweep, or draw. I also find it hard to believe that the fans know which routes the receivers are going to run on every play. They know when they are running slants, curls, posts, stop n go, over the middle, screens, play action, blah blah.

These fans have no idea which plays are coming. They might be able to guess pass or run once in awhile, but they have no idea beyond that.

NECutlerFan on February 1, 2010 4:43 PM

The Bears inability to score in the red zone had everything to do with play calling. Shot gun empty back field from the 5, Wildcat from the 3, play action pass on 3rd down with only one receiver running a pattern. The WHOLE world knew it was dive play, bubble screen , shotgun...punt or repeat. Cutler will break every passing record the Bears have next season. Look at the guys named for getting sacked. Kitna, Warner, Bulger...none of them mobile. I don't care if he was criticized in Detroit, that is like saying it was cold in Canada.

i hate to say this, but can we please get brandon marshall now (oh and some O-lineman would be nice too)? am i asking for too much here?

George Halas with turning in his grave with the Bears becoming (or at least admitting) that they are a pass first run second offense.

Welcome to the modern day NFL.

"Seems like Ron Rivera has done a great job as D-coach in San Diego; too bad the "cheap cheap" Bears let him go."

_________


It had nothing to do with cheap, but everything to do with Lovie feeling threatened by a potential replacement for him during contract negotiations.

welcome to the land of misfit coaches... if you have some garbage that you want to off load... just feel free to dump it here in chicago.

ihateillini on February 1, 2010 4:37 PM

Stephen - are you like 6 years old? The bears weren't doing homework. They couldn't get anybody to take this crappy job. No other team wants Martz and the bears wouldn't pay anybody worth having.

This will go nowhere next year.

Chicagosky on February 1, 2010 4:32 PM

Does any other NFL team have 3 former head coaches on their coaching staff? As Ditka always said you can't over charge someone for a steak without top quality meat. In other words, like any other NFL team, da Bears need more and better players! Can't cry about no #1 draft picks in the draft, the scouts have to work harder to find several diamonds in the rough for this season! GO BEARS!!!

In 2006, his first season, the passing game improved considerably, ranking 7th overall behind quarterback Jon Kitna, who had his first 4,000-yard season at age 34. Detroit lost its first five games with Martz and finished 3–13 in his first season as coordinator. Though the offense obviously had its woes, Martz wasn't blamed for very much of the team's issues, as the defense was also bad and there were various injury and personnel issues.

In 2007, with expectations still high following the previous year's disaster, it appeared Martz's system was actually beginning to work, and the Lions looked to be playoff contenders, almost in competition with Green Bay for the division title at mid-season when they sat comfortably at 6–2. Though Kitna was still sacked far too much during this span due mostly due to seven step drops and his inability to quickly read defenses, it was still a great improvement from the year before, and sacks aside, Detroit possessed a decent passing game. Shaun McDonald was their leading receiver with nine hundred and forty three yards. However, the team won only one more game that season and finished 7–9. When even players began to complain of Martz's pass-happy and unbalanced offense, the Lions fired him in the offseason.However, the following season the Lions plummeted in the offensive rankings, and some players (most notably Kitna) were openly frustrated with the conservative play calling that replaced Martz' system as the Lions became the first ever 0-16 team after firing Martz.

On January 8, 2008, Martz signed a two-year deal to become the offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, who hoped that a fourth offensive coordinator in four years could re-energize the offense (and, most notably, QB Alex Smith's career).

Smith would injure his shoulder in the preseason, however, and miss the entire 2008 season. Martz lobbied for journeyman J.T. O'Sullivan to come in as his replacement, but O'Sullivan and the 49ers offense struggled in the first half of the season. After 49ers coach Mike Nolan was fired and Mike Singletary was brought in as interim head coach, the team gave Shaun Hill a chance to establish himself as the starting quarterback.

Martz was let go as offensive coordinator after the 49ers named Singletary Head Coach. Singletary reportedly wanted more of a ball-control, run-oriented offense than Martz is known for crafting.San Francisco ranked 23rd out of 32 teams in points scored, 24th in total yards, 13th in passing yards per game and 22nd in net passing yards per attempt, which represents an improvement over 2007 (when SF ranked dead last in all 3 categories), but they ranked 26th in rushing yards & last in total turnovers. However, in 2007 the 49ers only turned the ball over one fewer time than in 2008 under Martz.

Draw your own conclusion.......

ashamedchicagobearfan on February 1, 2010 4:20 PM

I don't like the hire right now lets see who than can manage to pick up in the offseason then we can all say bye bye jerry lovie and mikey when they go on the cheap, pick up their usual cheap 2nd tier F.A. and washed up old dudes who are done We'll see, good luck with your buddy system...and good bye in advance only 290some days to go

Big G BearFan on February 1, 2010 4:20 PM

I like the hire. But this all comes down to the O-line REGARDLESS OF WHO THE OC IS AND WHAT THE SYSTEM IS THAT THEY RUN. Hiring Tice is a good move because he can coach up an O Line, and has a proven track record doing so. I have to agree with others about learning an entirely new system, but from what I have heard Turners system was very complex for WR's, and Martz' system is a little more black and white as far as routes and responsibilities.

Now let's get some D-line and secondary talent! The D still needs BIG TIME HELP!

Some of these people are seriously retarded. You want to complain just to complain about something. I want to know who anyone of you would think is better? Who would you have not complained about?

Martz was always their first choice. They just wanted to perform due diligence and interview other possible candidates before hiring the first guy on day 1. Most NFL teams interview a handful of candidates for any coaching job before making a decision.

Who is this old woman?

Thats great news! Now; what about getting a real defensive coach too?

Seems like Ron Rivera has done a great job as D-coach in San Diego; too bad the "cheap cheap" Bears let him go.

Forrest McCaskey on February 1, 2010 4:09 PM

Now, all we have to do is hire Mike Sherman to hit the "Clueless Mike Trifecta."

Expect to hear whispers this Spring that Hester "is having trouble picking up the playbook." Martz is known for having a HUGE playbook. Even though I want it to, I really don't think this is going to end well next season.....

What a horrible hire that smells of desperation on both ends. The Bears had no other viable candidates and Martz was unemployed last year for a reason. Either way this a bad marriage which dooms the Bears next season.

newyorkbearfan on February 1, 2010 4:08 PM

I generally like the hire considering what else was out there (although it reeks of desperation on some levels)

But people HAVE to stop referencing the 4,000 yard season Kitna had with Martz! The Lions sucked, were behind in a lot of games and were forced to throw...In that season he was also sacked 51 times, threw 18 TDs and 20 INTs...NOT A GOOD THING!!

Ugh. As smart as Martz is (and I really believe in him as a passing coordinator) I have two issues:

1. The imbalance of the offense. We don't have the offensive line to protect a quarterback who defenses KNOW will be throwing every down. In St. Louis, he had what... 3 pro bowlers on that OLine?

2. Going away from the West Coast offense means another adjustment period. If the staff gets canned after next year, it will be that much more of a setback.

The Lions went 7-9 with Martz. After they fired him they went 0-16 with almost the same team. Most of the his players seem to love him from the comments they make to the media. It seems that he pisses off the other coaches, normally who ever is running the D since his O usually doesn't run well and doesn't help close out games.

The Lions went 7-9 with Martz. After they fired him they went 0-16 with almost the same team. Most of the his players seem to love him from the comments they make to the media. It seems that he pisses off the other coaches, normally who ever is running the D since his O usually doesn't run well and doesn't help close out games.

"
BigBearFan... on February 1, 2010 2:43 PM

This is a good move. All you Martz hater's can suck it. This guy made Jon Kitna a 4,000 yard passer for the love of God. Why wouldn't he be able to with a prodigious talent like Jay Cutler?"

Kitna had thrown for 3500 yards for the Bengals before Martz came along. If not for Carson Palmer's draft status, he might still be there. Martz didn't make him a good passer, he was already a good one.

Wow. For all of you that hate the choice, who would you have picked? This guy won't take any crap from Cutler, and will break down his HORRIBLE mechanics and make him better. Forte has been great (year 1) and good (year 2 while injured) catching out of the backfield. He may come close to 100 catches this year. As for the O-Line, Tice always had good offensive lines in Minnesota, and he knows tight ends. Receivers? I predict you'll see Knox and Aromashadu as the starters. The Bears have 3 former head coaches working under Lovie. Yes, 0-16 Rod is unique, but these guys know football, and all have coached in the NFC North division. They have had bad years, but so has everyone in Detroit. And this won't be the greatest show on turf, but we also won't be calling our punter the MVP anymore. I'm excited about a Bears hire for the first time in a long time. Think about it...the Bears actually hired the best guy available. And in regards to egos...good. I don't want a "yes" man, I want someone who knows the game and believes in what they are doing. I also want someone that will put a player in his place.

As for "kathryn", saying "in his last gig, he was calling Cutler immature", that's a Positive! Cutler WAS being immature, and we need someone to tell him to grow up.

Rocket Man on February 1, 2010 3:51 PM

Stoner: the negativity spills out because Bear fans are football educated and are tired of seeing idiots ruin our beloved Bears.

Lovie is doomed. He might as well start looking for new employment. Da Bears are doomed. Martz will fail miserably and also get Cutler on IR by week 3 with this terrible O-line. Things in Halas Hall could not be any worse.

Look for Marinelli to become Defensive Coordinator, which will enhance the doom factor by three-fold.

On the bright side, I just saved around 290 bucks since I will definitely cancel NFL Ticket. I live in the Syracuse NY area so I'll start watching Rex Ryan's Jets.

Number1ninja on February 1, 2010 3:48 PM

If the NFL is a passing league, why is this the Saint's first Super Bowl appearance? Where are the Cards at now, huh? It's EVERYTHING, sure you can have some specialties, but one-trick ponies stay home. Hell, the only reason Peyton's got a ring is their defense finally stopped the run, and he got to carve up the Tampa-2 all second half against the Bears. And it still took Bad Rex showing up to put him over the top.

John Constantine Unitas on February 1, 2010 3:46 PM

Jay: "take it or leave it. And the NFL is becoming a pass-first league all together with rules that favor the passing game."

Um Jay, the NFL has been a pass-first team for 10 to 15 years now. I guess someone finally told you and I wish someone would tell the Bears soon.

Sign TO and get this team on Hard Knocks. This will be unparalleled reality TV.

Surprise! My question is, why the charade? And to all the naysayers, there probably wasn't a better qualified option out there on the Bears radar, take it or leave it. And the NFL is becoming a pass-first league all together with rules that favor the passing game. Look at the two teams in the Superbowl. And don't bring the Jets into this discussion, our defense couldn't cover a bed. For what it's worth, Marinelli will probably be the D.C... now that's a move that should really tick Bears fans off.

Sports 24/7 on February 1, 2010 3:37 PM

I don't get those who are equating Martz getting Kitna to throw for 4,000+ to what he can do for Cutler. How many games did the Lions win that season? With Martz' system, Cutler has the talent to throw for 5,000+ and threaten Marino's record, but if doesn't result in wins, then what good is that?

The Bears could have hired this clown weeks ago.

The only thing this exercise accomplished was to show how many people did not want to come here before they settled on someone who was waving his hand and saying "pick me" the entire time.

salamander on February 1, 2010 3:37 PM

kathryn said: "Martz may have worked with Kitna and Warner and some other QBs, but the fact is, you're only as good as your last gig...and in his last gig, he was calling Cutler immature."

Seriously? Is that the metric by which to judge an offensive coordinator? Have you applied for the Bears' HR dept yet?

About time! I think the only reason Lovie held out this long is that he knows after his defense breaks down again next season, we'll already have his successor in town to replace him,

Good move. They should have done it two weeks ago, but it's a good move.

Now, if they can rebuild their offensive line and give Cutler and Forte a chance, we'll be good to go.

The next new I hope to hear is Angelo is FIRED

Lovie has been handcuffed from Day 1, his drafts and personnel management (checked boxes) are a joke

i like it, you haters got to relax!!

Honestly, would any of you nay-sayers been happy with anyone???? Grow up already.

Awesome they got the guy who left the Detroit Lions.. oh wait, the Detroit Lions have been losing for over 10 years.

I don't understand giving the Bears crap for interviewing other possible candidates. Should they have just interviewed Martz only and then hired him on day 1? Would that have made everyone happy?

This is a great hire and the Bears will have a real offense for the first time in decades.

Whatever.

Martz may have worked with Kitna and Warner and some other QBs, but the fact is, you're only as good as your last gig...and in his last gig, he was calling Cutler immature.

Plus, if Martz thinks he can run a seven-drop, Cutler will not escape the 2010 season without getting maimed.

I really REALLY hope the Bears go winless this season, so Lovie and Martz can both be fired then the Bears can bring in good coaches.

Good OC - but NOT the right guy at the right time - UNLESS - they put in turf - AND then MAYBE.

Further, I bet the reason it took this long was that they wanted to find AS GOOD an OC in a 'West Coast' offense sort of guy BUT for less money - failing that - I think Martz gave them an ultimatum and they were forced to make a decision -

The good news IS - this isn't a long term solution AND - the BEARS will fare no better than before - AND maybe - eventually - finally, we'll get a full house cleaning.

This is going to be either real good, or real bad, no in between, but I cant criticize the choice, should have done it sooner

Last Year for Lovie and Friends on February 1, 2010 3:23 PM

The official countdown has begun for Lovie - 47 weeks until termination! Here are two questions for the Martz lovers:

1) Hester & Bennett couldn't learn Turner's playbook, how are they going to learn Martz's?

2) What happens to Martz's "Greatest Show on Turf" when it meets the surface they call grass at Soldier Field, particularly when the weather turns cold and snowy?

Man what a bunch of cry babies! The crew at Halas Hall couldn't get anybody to show up for an interview so they turned to the one person who was out there begging for the job. Who was the better choice? I know it is oh if Lovie were gone, but he is not get over it this is the best it gets for OC for the Bears.

All the people who bitch and moan, about everything, will be the first one's jumping up and down and screaming to the heavens if this all works out. Why is it that no matter what anyone does, there are people who will criticize. What a sad way to go through life! I would hate to see what their home life might be like, except my guess is they are all so perfect that finding anyone as smart and attractive would be impossible.

How about a D coordinator now!

3 and outs here we come!!!

Kitna threw for 4000+ yards... for ateam that was winless and likely behind in many games so he HAD to throw and the other other team was playing soft coverage.

Mike, welcome to Chicago. How does it feel to be the 35th guy interviewed for the job and knowing you were a last resort and not a top choice?

I hope he continues the success he had in Detroit and San Fran ... it makes no difference except the Bears management has signed Cutlers death warrent, one more QB runied by this organization, mark my words Lovie is a tool and anyone that would work with him is as bad as he is ... it's fact written ove rthe past three years hired, depmoted, fired ... what a joke Martz will do it his way with NO TALENT like Detroit and SF

Yay...I sense a great year ahead!!! All you people ripping them to shreds are going to feel pretty ridiculous when they rock it out next year. GO BEARS!

Ugh.

Terrible Choice!

This guy is a CANCER!

Biggs ! Did I read you correctly ?
"Ted Phillips has DEMANDED an immediate turn around" ?

Are you kiddin me? Ted Phillips should be the FIRST ONE TO GO ! He started the ball rolling with the insane extension of Angelo's contract . . . . after, of course, he wasn't smart emough about football to put together his own list of who to interview, when he first hired Angelo.

The Bears always do the right thing-after exhausting all other options.

all wee need now is 2 offensive lineman and one playmaker wide receiver and well be a potent offensive

Packersfan on February 1, 2010 3:06 PM

Ted, Jerry, Lovie, Rod, Mike and Jay!!! It's the SIX STOOGES!!!

I guess the idea was to make Martz look as desperate as possible and then hire him. Too bad we will still be playing cover-2 at least we hopefully can score some more points to win a few games hit the playoffs and get smacked by any offense that has seen the cover-2 for the last ten years.

Martz was always their first choice. However, they wanted to do their homework and check out some other options too. There is nothing wrong with due diligence, especially when their jobs are on the line.

This is a good hire. This offense will resemble an actual NFL offense next season.

I guess Gary Crowton was unavailable.

slimpickons on February 1, 2010 3:01 PM

Well done(i hope) Now we will see if mr pouty really does have the talent to be a franchise QB, cause if Martz can get 4000 yds outa Kitna then Cutler should get at least that.

black and blue on February 1, 2010 3:00 PM

TO: there may be a happy ending. You are the idiot! Were the Bears so wonderful before Cutler? Why should he shoulder all the blame?

wow...good to know that he's our 2nd no 3rd no 4th or is it 5th option??..let me guess....Marinelli will be named DC in the next few days. Its good to know the Bears organization are in good hands with Philips, Angelo and Lovie.

Nice, I like it. Finally some excitement!

About damn time! This should have been done 3 weeks ago.

Great. Now the Bears have the former head coach of the worst NFL team in history and the OC of the worst NFL team in history. Anybody see where this is going? Yeah, Kitna threw for 4K - BFD. How many games did they win? How many trips to the play offs?

Let's see what Martz can do having to coach in bad weather for the first time. All of these numbers his offense has put up in the past have been in the idyllic conditions of a dome, save the one year in CA.

Hello final nail in Lovie Smith's and Jerry Angelo's coffin...

LOVE IT! Now i hope i stop hearing that stupid 'get off the bus running' garbage. Now that we have Cutler and Martz, lets get the pass attack going!

Wow! Positive comments! For the haters who will inevitably show up, here are some options:

1) OH NO! Lovie hired one of his friends! This spells doom!

2) IT DOESN'T MATTER! The Bears will never win anything as long as Cutler is the QB. This spells doom!

3) IT DOESN'T MATTER! The Bears will never win anything as long as the McCaskeys own the team. This spells doom!

jolly joyner on February 1, 2010 2:50 PM

I think this will be a good move. martz loves the pass... get another big, fast reciever with some talent and I think 8 and 8 might be possible!! HA!.. well, hopefully they can get thier act together and spread out the offense for once. I like the choice. Hopefully we can make one or two big pickups

bearbadger on February 1, 2010 2:48 PM

A great hire. The offense will shine in 2010. This will also help the running game!!!

3 ex head coaches on the coaching staff now. That is an upgrade from the collegiate jones that Lovie had. Martz and Tice are proven at what they do and if Marinelli sticks to being just d-line coach it may work. Talent...that's another issue (thanks to Mr. Angelo)

Jeff in Wi on February 1, 2010 2:45 PM

I love it. Now take the money you are saving on no 1st or 2nd round pick this year and spend on a free agent wide receiver. Put Hester back as full time returner and let the fun begin. Forte should be ecstatic. All those years the Packers took average RB's and ran from spread sets and they thrived. He should catch a ton of passes as well as see fewer defenders around the line.

It's about time....

I think its great.
Loved the rams offense.....was even impressed with the Lions offense during the 2 years he was there.
I think Martz has enough talent on offense to turn these guys around.
Cutler and The WR need to be on the same page and I think Martz will drill that into them.

BigBearFan... on February 1, 2010 2:43 PM

This is a good move. All you Martz hater's can suck it. This guy made Jon Kitna a 4,000 yard passer for the love of God. Why wouldn't he be able to with a prodigious talent like Jay Cutler?

Now, see how easy that was? Why bother talking to people you had no intention on hiring, avoid the endless sales pitch, and concentrate on what matters most to the bears-desperate and cheap! One day we'll be saved but until then-take a deep breath and pray about it!

well who didn't see that coming...

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd let the negativity begin..........
C'mon Bears fans..........

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