Bears Promote Mike Tice to Offensive Coordinator

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 6, 2012 4:50PM

New Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice

A week of dysfunction at Halas Hall just grew even more so. Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer is reporting that the Bears have promoted offensive line coach Mike Tice to offensive coordinator. While that scenario has been promoted among some in the local media, Glazer's news comes with a caveat. Read the screen grab below.

The Bears, according to Glazer, want more of a ground based attack in a pass-happy NFL. But the move also suits the Bears' personnel better. WSCR-AM Bears insider Zach Zaidman was on the air a few minutes ago to confirm that Tice would be OC. Tice's role will be similar to Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, in that he'll call the plays for the offensive unit and still have a hand in coaching the offensive line.

There is precedent for this: Bill Parcells, notably, has tried this before. But, given the number of former head coaches that are on the Bears coaching staff, we have to wonder if this is a "too many chiefs" situation. It's also uncertain if the new arrangement will lead to the increase in offense the Bears had under Mike Marts as they got off to a 7-3 record, before quarterback Jay Cutler's season, and the Bears' playoff chances, were torpedoed with a broken thumb.

Regardless, it's important that the Bears bring in a quarterbacks coach who can provide Cutler with knowledge, stability (Tice is now Cutler's thrid OC in four years), and command Cutler's respect.