Following a disappointing end to their season, the Bears made a splash with their first post-season acquisition. They did not acquire a top receiver, franchise quarterback or shore up their secondary. Instead, the Bears hired Rod Marinelli, the legendary former Detroit Lions coach that led his squad to the NFL’s first 0-16 season.
Oddly, the notorious achievement was viewed favorably in the mind of Bears’ head coach Lovie Smith.
“It takes an exemplary coach to lead a team to a perfect season of any sort,” said Smith. “Rod accomplished something that had never been done before and we felt that was special.”
Marinelli was a well-respected assistant prior to coaching Detroit to a 10-38 record over three seasons. His new role will serve as the Bears defensive line coach/assistant head coach. He worked previously with Lovie Smith and Bears GM Jerry Angelo in Tampa.
Angelo also welcomed Marinelli and added a view on his impending contributions.
“Our defensive was really demoralized last season,” said Angelo. “I’m confident Rod will ease their minds and provide unique perspective on how much worse things could have really been.”
