Bears eye change after 8-8 finish

By Andrew Seligman

Associated Press

Published: Monday, Jan. 2 2012 12:41 p.m. MST

Chicago Bears wide receiver Roy Williams (11) gets tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Asher Allen (21) after making a first down reception in the second half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012.

Andy King, Associated Press

View 2 photos »

Summary

Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith wasn't ready to say if Mike Martz will return for a third season as offensive coordinator.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith wasn't ready to say if Mike Martz will return for a third season as offensive coordinator.

Changes figure to be in store after the Bears finished 8-8 following a monumental collapse that left them out of the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.

The Bears struggled after quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte were injured. They dropped five straight before winning the finale at Minnesota. As the losses mounted, so did speculation that Martz was on his way out.

He has an expiring contract, and Smith was noncommittal when asked Monday if he'll be back. Smith says he hopes to have a decision as soon as possible.

Comments