Alright kids, here it is. The big day. Here’s what you should expect, courtesy of PFT:
1) Lovie will stay. Unfortunate, but I’ll live (more on this later)
2) Ron Turner will be fired, as well as most/all of the offensive staff.
3) Lovie will lose his defensive playcalling responsibilities. Those, according to PFT, will go to Rod Marinelli (what?).
4) Jeremy Bates is being considered for Turner’s job.
Truth be told, Lovie saved his job with the last two wins. Whether you believe he should be gone or should stay is irrelevant at this point. I’m really hoping that Marinelli doesn’t get promoted….I’m not quite sure of his credentials.
So what am I excited about? Jeremy Bates. He’s worked with Cutler and, from all available sources, Cutler likes him. A lot. That’s what we need.
ChicagoBears.com
Here’s a nice piece on Tim Shaw and all of his Aaron Rowand/Scottie Pods-esque grindiness.
Apparently, the players want Lovie back.
ChicagoNow
Jeff Hughes is none too pleased with Lovie probably returning.
Chicago Sun-Times
Charles Tillman should be fine in 4-6 weeks.
Adewale Ogunleye on his staying: 50-50.
The dollars and sense of Orlando Pace.
Mark Potash gives his case for keeping or booting Lovie.
Rick Morrissey is still banging the drum for Lovie to go.
Chicago Tribune
Rewinding the tape on the season.
Brad Biggs: Lovie is expected to return, albeit with strings attached.
Brian Urlacher loves him some Lovie.
Was the Detroit game the last one as a Bear for Vasher?
CSN Chicago
John Mullin: Situations and solutions for next year.
Daily Herald
Barry Rozner doesn’t know what to think about the Bears.
Mike Imrem: Give Lovie a take-it-or-leave-it ultimatum.
ESPN Chicago
Here are five reasons to be optimistic about the Bears in 2010.
Sporting News
My guy wiltfongjr has a great piece on Jay Cutler – don’t miss this article!