Marinelli the Bears' new DC

If you had Feb. 5 in your "When does Rod Marinelli gets promoted to defensive coordinator?" pool, then you're in luck. In a related note, you've used up your good karma for the weekend and that'll keep you from doubling up your winnings on Sunday with Super Bowl squares.

The Bears just announced the following changes:
1) Marinelli to DC.
2) Assistant D-line coach Eric Washington becomes the full-blown D-Line coach.
3) Shane Day is the new QBs coach.
4) Andrew Hayes-Stoker is the new offensive quality control guy. He apparently used to be TCU's top backup to LaDainian Tomlinson back in the day.
5) Mikal Smith (son of Lovie) is the new defensive quality control guy.

Here's Lovie's official quote per the Bears:
"Rod is among the best defensive coaches in the NFL and will be an excellent defensive coordinator for us. We considered outside possibilities, but I didn’t feel our defense would benefit the same way it will with Rod in the coordinator role. From the first day I became head coach of the Chicago Bears I envisioned Rod as our defensive coordinator. I considered him for the role last year, but wanted him to have the opportunity to work exclusively with our defensive line and become acclimated to our team. He will remain in our defensive line room, but will add the responsibility of the defensive calls on game day.

"As I mentioned at the end of the season, I think we have an excellent defensive staff. Our position coaches bring a valuable expertise to their respective areas and our defense evolves every year based on the input they bring to our planning meetings. We are excited to get to work and we expect to play the type of disruptive defense we have been known for."

LW