St. Francisco
45-35 Never Forget
http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/01/05/bears-make-first-change-fire-offensive-coordinator-turner/
The Bears have fired offensive coordinator Ron Turner as expected, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
Turner was on the hot seat after a poor season during which quarterback Jay Cutler struggled after coming over in a trade from Denver. Other changes could come on the offensive staff as well.
Jeremy Bates, an assistant at USC who coached Cutler with the Broncos, is a very strong candidate for the coordinator position. Former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis and former Rams coach Mike Martz are expected to get consideration as well.
While Turner is out, Lovie Smith is almost certain to return as coach next season, according to league sources.
However, Smith, who runs a defense that struggled this season, could have his play-calling duties stripped, which may lead to someone else making the defensive calls in 2010.
At this point, there has been no movement with the defensive staff. Rod Marinelli could be promoted to coordinator, though a team source said there has been no indication of that to this point. Smith has been running the defense for years, so even if someone else became the coordinator it might not change that fact.
The Bears (7-9) have a press conference set for later today, during which the Turner firing will be announced.
The Bears have fired offensive coordinator Ron Turner as expected, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
Turner was on the hot seat after a poor season during which quarterback Jay Cutler struggled after coming over in a trade from Denver. Other changes could come on the offensive staff as well.
Jeremy Bates, an assistant at USC who coached Cutler with the Broncos, is a very strong candidate for the coordinator position. Former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis and former Rams coach Mike Martz are expected to get consideration as well.
While Turner is out, Lovie Smith is almost certain to return as coach next season, according to league sources.
However, Smith, who runs a defense that struggled this season, could have his play-calling duties stripped, which may lead to someone else making the defensive calls in 2010.
At this point, there has been no movement with the defensive staff. Rod Marinelli could be promoted to coordinator, though a team source said there has been no indication of that to this point. Smith has been running the defense for years, so even if someone else became the coordinator it might not change that fact.
The Bears (7-9) have a press conference set for later today, during which the Turner firing will be announced.