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Mike Tice Offensive coordinator There’s zero chance Tice remains as offensive coordinator. He might get a chance to stick as an offensive line coach. Injuries and average personnel didn’t help, but Tice never found a rhythm as a play-caller.
Rod Marinelli Defensive coordinator If there’s any coach that should be retained first, it’s Marinelli. His motivational techniques work very well with the current players, and his understanding of the Bears’ scheme is irreplaceable.
Dave Toub Special-Teams coordinator The Bears’ new coach might want to keep Toub, one of the best special-teams coaches in the league. But Toub might find greener pastures elsewhere. Like last year, he might even get some calls about being a head coach.
Bob Babich, Linebackers Babich was Lovie Smith’s first hire, so he might be the first to go during the new coach’s makeover. He was the linebackers coach for seven years and the Bears’ defensive coordinator for two. Urlacher is a big fan of Babich’s.
Jeremy Bates, Quarterbacks Bates is Jay Cutler’s guy, so if Cutler stays, that might mean Bates has a chance to remain for at least one more year. Cutler and Brandon Marshall love Bates’ approach. But the Bears still had the 29th-ranked passing game.
Mike DeBord, Tight ends As Phil Emery said, Kellen Davis had a “tough year.” Matt Spaeth rated very well as a blocker, and Kyle Adams showed promise. But expected changes to the tight-end mix could mean DeBord is out.
Darryl Drake, Wide receivers Drake is very loyal to Lovie Smith and a vocal supporter. He has been with Smith since he took over in 2004. But, the Bears struggled to get production from receivers other than Brandon Marshall this year and Hester never pann
Jon Hoke, Defensive backs Hoke is considered one of the best position coaches in the league and could be a candidate for some defensive-coordinator openings. He has been in the past. Helped development of Tim Jennings, Major Wright and Chris Conte.
Tim Holt, Offensive Line This was Holt’s first season with the Bears. He and Mike Tice didn’t have too much to work with, and injuries only made things worse. But a new coach might opt for a more experienced coach.
Mike Phair, Defensive Line Phair and Rod Marinelli did a good job with the defensive line’s rotation. Corey Wootton and Stephen Paea emerged as starters, Henry Melton became a Pro Bowl player and Shea McClellin made strides in his rookie season.
Tim Spencer, Running Backs Injuries to Matt Forte, Michael Bush and Evan Rodriguez hindered production. But Forte finished with 1,434 yards from scrimmage. Spencer, though, is tied to Lovie Smith, having been part of his staff for all nine seasons.
General manager Phil Emery uses Pro Football Focus, which breaks down each play of every game, for his player evaluations. So we applied the same player data to look at how the Bears’ main assistant coaches fared in 2012. PFF has positive and negative ratings …