DB, DL, and now LB Coaches all Gone

On Dec. 30, Bears GM Jerry Angelo said, "If change is needed to be made, changes will be made." We read ya loud and clear, Jerry. As of today, all three of the defensive coaches under Defensive Coordinator Bob Babich are off the team.

The day after Angelo's press conference, Defensive Backs coach Steve Wilks was shown the door. This was expected by several, as the Bears defensive backfield was horrible this season. I have never seen such a high success rate for opponents on 3rd and long than what the Bears competition showed me this season.

Less than a week after Wilks' departure, Defensive Line coach Brick Haley could apparently see the writing on the wall. On Jan. 5 he sent in his resignation so he could become the Defensive Line coach at LSU. I can't place so much of the blame on the DL solely on him, but Tommie Harris underperformed this season, and the Bears never really established another Nose Tackle to play alongside him. Apparently Lovie Smith and Angelo believe the former coach of the worst team in NFL history can fix this DL, as Rod Marinelli has already been formally offered a contract to become the next DL Coach of the Bears.

Now on to the most recent firing. Lloyd Lee was fired today, making all three areas of defense without coaches. Lee was upset, but classy in his departure, saying, "It is what it is. I'm not going to really get into a lot of detail. You don't go to the playoffs and I guess this is what happens." I have no idea who we might get to fill this role, but I'm sure options are out there.

So the question remains...How long does Bob Babich keep the Defensive Coordinator tag to his name? Will he be let go as well? Several think so. Will he be demoted to LB coach (the position he held prior to receiving the DC job)? It's a possibility. All we know is this defense would not have won us any playoff games in the first place, so it's best to shed the old armor, don a new outfit, and go out to battle again in 2009.