Tucker in play for Bears defensive coordinator post
One candidate to replace Rod Marinelli as Chicago Bears defensive coordinator is former Jaguars and Browns defensive leader Mel Tucker, according to a league source.
Tucker, 41, has experience running a 4-3 as well as a 3-4. Among his influences have been Nick Saban, Romeo Crennel and Jack Del Rio. He is expected to be in demand by multiple teams.
He has been considered a head coaching candidate and has interviewed for head coaching positions. Tucker served as the Jaguars’ interim head coach at the end of the 2011 season, going 2-3 after Del Rio was fired.
The position of defensive coordinator is more important on the Bears staff than it had been because Marc Trestman is an offensive minded head coach. In the past, head coach Lovie Smith kept a close eye on the defense. Now, the defensive coordinator is likely to operate with much autonomy.
Tucker was a runner-up for the Wisconsin head coaching job that went to Gary Andersen. He played defensive back at the school in the early '90s.
The Bears are expected to retain Mike Phair as their defensive line coach, according to a source.
I'll send him a fiver if he gets the job.
