Tice, Bates Among Chicago Bears Assistants Let Go

Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Chicago Bears coaching staff (from left) special teams coach Dave Toub , defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli , head coach Lovie Smith , offensive coordinator Mike Tice and running backs coach Tim Spencer on the sidelines against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

If you thought there might be some sentimental ties or deference to the past Chicago Bears coaching regime, guess again.  Maybe Phil Emery and Marc Trestman should have called in Donald Trump to use his signature line from his reality show The Apprentice because “YOU’RE FIRED!” must have been echoing through Halas Hall this evening.  Most of Lovie Smith’s old staff was sacked, most notably offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Mike Tice, quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates and all of the offensive staff.

It’s probably easier to list who stuck around.  Only defensive backs coach (and presumed candidate for defensive coordinator) Jon Hoke, safeties coach Gill Byrd and defensive line coach Mike Phair have been retained.    Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli is said to have decided against stick around, though it’s believed Trestman wanted to keep him around.

Trestman will go about the business of filling out his staff, of which he has final say.  He told us as much in today’s introductory presser.  He already has assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis and offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer in place.  He will bring some members of his staff from the Montreal Alouttes to fill out his staff.  From what I’ve read, none of his assistants have previous NFL experience.

The moves show that the Bears are not going about this with a sense of sentimentality or nostalgia.  Trestman clearly has a vision for the offense, so he cleared that entire side of the ball out.  Some thought Jeremy Bates might stick around since Trestman had a relationship with his dad Jim and because of the relationship JB had with Cutler.

It’s a good move to take away Jay’s security blanket.  This will be an immersive process for Cutler, no need for insulators or buffers for him to commiserate.  Trestman knows his success is firmly tied to Cutler and his success.  If he can transform him, he will have accomplished his mission and the Bears will be successful.

There’s clearly a sense of urgency to deal with the staff.  Trestman didn’t want to leave the old staff hanging, so he made quick work of them earlier this evening.  The top assistants are getting snapped up as all the NFL vacancies are now filled with Bruce Arians taking the Cardinals job, so there’s no time to waste.

We’ll be closely monitoring the coaching staff situation and keep you posted.