Mike Martz: No dirty laundry behind Bears exit

Mike Martz

Updated: May 9, 2012 10:09AM

Despite the suppositions and theories about his predicted departure, former Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz adamantly downplayed that any issues existed between him and anyone else at Halas Hall.

In an interview with the Sun-Times on Wednesday, a day after he resigned, Martz spoke glowingly of numerous Bears coaches and players, including head coach Lovie Smith, quarterback Jay Cutler and even backup quarterback Caleb Hanie.

‘‘There’s nothing to analyze,’’ Martz said. ‘‘This is a personal thing for me. There isn’t anything to talk about or discuss.

‘‘I have great memories of Chicago. The people there are great.’’

Martz, whose contract is expiring, said he has no regrets about his two years with the team.

‘‘It was a thrill to join Lovie’s staff,” said Martz, who was the head coach of the St. Louis Rams when Smith was the defensive coordinator. ‘‘He does a great job. Nothing in our relationship has changed. It was just time to move on.’’

There were hints that the relationship between Martz and Cutler deteriorated this season, highlighted by Cutler’s diplomatic but pointed comments about the offense and a curse word he directed at Martz during a 39-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in October.

But Martz said he and Cutler had a ‘‘great relationship.’’

‘‘Jay is so talented,’’ Martz said. He got comfortable [in the offense]. But that’s on Jay, not myself. His command of the system was excellent. The best is yet to come.’’

Asked about any problems with Hanie, Martz said, ‘‘Gosh, no.’’

“Caleb is a sweetheart of a guy,” he said. ‘‘Quarterbacks sometimes go through that. I think he still has a terrific career ahead of him.’’

Martz praised the Bears for collecting high-character players.

‘‘They players there are great, and they have the right attitude,’’ he said. ‘‘They’re a classy, solid group.’’

He lamented the team’s struggles after a 7-3 start.

‘‘I thought we were special as a football team, not just as an offense,’’ he said. ‘‘I felt we were playing better than anyone else in the league. But injuries can always happen.’’

Martz was vague about his future plans. Asked if he was going to retire, he said no.

‘‘There are some other things going on,’’ he said.

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