The Chicago Bears are making a lot of news today and the latest report to come out of Chicago is that Mike Martz is out as offensive coordinator.
The Chicago Tribune reports that Martz resigned following a season that fell apart after Jay Cutler fractured his thumb in Week 11 and ended his season.
The Bears got off to a good start, going 7-3 in their first 10 games, but they lost five straight games after Cutler went down and their 8-8 record wasn’t good enough to get them into the playoffs. Of course, things may have been different if their franchise quarterback would have been able to complete the season. Now the Bears are left looking for a new offensive coordinator who will help them compete with division rivals Green Bay Packers and their high-powered offense.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Martz resigned Tuesday morning, and a source told the newspaper that he decided to leave because of “philosophical differences.”
His resignation came on the same day that the organization fired long time general manager Jerry Angelo who was hired in 2001 and was part of four division titles and a Super Bowl appearance. Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips was the person who informed Angelo Tuesday morning that he will not return to the team.
The team was busy on Tuesday and they also announced in a statement that Lovie Smith will remain on as head coach. The team was expected to hold a 4 p.m. press conference.
Also not returning to the team will be quarterbacks coach Shane Day.
