Smith Puts Babich On Notice

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jan 14, 2009 3:55PM

Given the mediocre play by the Bears' defense the past two seasons, many fans used to the team's defensive dominance were screaming for Bob Babich's head. Afterall, we Bears fans don't expect to see our team's D in the lower third of the league -- they were 21st of 32 in '08. But while most of the team's defensive position coaches have been relieved of duty or left for other jobs, Babich remained as defensive coordinator.

On Tuesday, however, Bears head coach Lovie Smith finally shook up his defensive staff a bit more and announced that he'll take over defensive play calling in 2009. Babich will again be tasked with coaching the linebackers -- his position back when Ron Rivera was defensive coordinator. While retaining his defensive coordinator title, Babich was effectively demoted by Smith.

Meanwhile, former Lions head coach Rod Marinelli accepted the Bears' offer to join the staff as defensive line coach and assistant head coach. The Bears also recently hired Jon Hoke to coach defensive backs to round out his rebuilt staff.

So is this move one of genius or one of desperation? With all these changes, the Bears defense has to improve next season. If it does, the Bears could find themselves in the playoffs once again. If it doesn't, Lovie's job will most certainly be on the line.