Lee Third Defensive Coach Out

For fans calling for the removal of defensive coordinator Bob Babich, that may be too much to hope for. Instead, the Bears decided to remove some lower positions in hope of reviving a less-than-stellar defense that struggled this season. The latest man let go is linebackers coach Lloyd Lee, which is on top of defensive line coach Brick Haley and secondary coach Steve Wilks. Lee was evasive about the particulars surrounding his release, saying, “I’m not going to get into a lot of detail. You don’t go to the playoffs, and I guess this is what happens.”

If Lovie Smith surprised some fans with his dismissal of Ron Rivera and hiring of Bob Babich, just get ready for the next round of newbies. Reportedly high on Smith’s list is former Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli for the line coach position and his defensive coordinator, Joe Barry, as the Bears linebackers coach. That’s right, the same coaches that led the Lions to a record-breaking 0-16 season in 2008. The Lions’ record may not be completely these coaches’ fault, and Smith knows them for earlier jobs in the league, but it will still be a hard pill to swallow for many Bears fans. Get your Chicago Bears tickets at StubHub.com.