Mike Tice named Bears offensive coordinator

The Chicago Bears promoted offensive line coach Mike Tice to offensive coordinator, replacing Mike Martz. The Bears fired Martz earlier this week. BR> Tice is slated to call the plays. And the Bears figure to emphasize the running game with Tice running the show. Tice will remain the offensive line coach.

“I’m excited to have Mike move into our offensive coordinator role,” Smith said. “He has been a valuable member of our staff over the past two years and has an excellent track record in the NFL. He was very impressive in his job interview yesterday and shares the same vision I have for our offense moving forward. We want to be a strong running team with a big-play pass attack.

“Mike will call plays for us and continue to have an active role with our offensive line. To complete our staff we will be hiring a passing coordinator who will work with our quarterbacks and an offensive line coach.”

Added Tice:“Lovie and I share a similar mindset of what the Bears offense should look and feel like. There will be a toughness about us. We are going to be a powerful run team and we’re going to be able to mix in explosive pass plays. It will be important for us to utilize the talents of our players and exploit match-ups each Sunday. We have athletes we can build with. I feel fortunate Lovie has placed the trust in me to help move us forward to a championship.”

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