Marc Trestman Discusses Jay Cutler and His New Job as Chicago Bears Head Coach

Jan 17, 2013; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears new head coach Marc Trestman during a press conference at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Mum’s the word fromt he Chicago Bears since they introduced Marc Trestman as the new head coach.  While at the Senior Bowl, neither Trestman nor any of his new staffers were accessible to the media.  That’s pretty uncommon, but it’s the way GM Phil Emery wants the ship run.

Marc Trestman sat down with TwinCities.com and discussed the Super Bowl, his new job as the Chicago Bears head coach and his top priority, quarterback Jay Cutler.  Here are some select excerpts: 

"BS: You coached with the Cleveland Browns (1988-89) before they moved to Baltimore to become the Ravens and you were the offensive coordinator with the 49ers (1995-96). Were you pulling for either team?MT: I really respect both coaches, but I worked with Jim (Harbaugh) in Oakland (with the Raiders) and we stayed pretty close over the years. I was pulling for them, I guess. Jim was the quality control coach and he became quarterbacks coach in 2003. We worked together two years there."

Interesting. I didn’t know that Trestman worked with Jim.  I hope there’s some carryover from that relationship.  Maybe a little innovative with a little less crazy.

Trestman was asked if he’s excited to take over the Bears, who went 10-6 last season.

"BS: Is it exciting to take over a 10-6 team or is there additional pressure to improve on that?MT: You always want to improve each and every year. I went through a similar situation in Montreal. There was a good owner and general manager and good players. It’s very similar here. I’m very excited about it. I’m not thinking about what happens not going right. I’m excited. A lot of good things are in place. It’s a very supportive environment."

Did he mention that he’s excited.  Here’s the Jay Cutler question:

"BS: Are you excited to have Cutler and (wide receiver) Brandon Marshall to build an offense around?MT: Just looking at tape, there’s a nucleus for a very good football team.BS: Did you know Cutler before taking the job?MT: I spent a couple of days with Jay coming out of Vanderbilt. We had some meeting time and played a little catch. That was about it. I spent about 90 minutes with him during the interview process and enjoyed the time. I can say this: I’m very excited about the opportunity to get to know Jay better and create resources for him to excel. It’s undeniable the talent is there. We’ll work with him and help him grow."

Let’s hope Trestman’s assessment is right and he can put Cutler in a position to succeed.  It’s nice to see him crawl out from the rock that Phil Emery’s been keeping him under.  It’s too bad a real reporter couldn’t get a hold of him and ask some better questions.  Hopefully with the draft coming up, Trestman emerges from his shell and we start to get some real answers from the enigmatic head coach.