LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Rod Marinelli joined the Chicago Bears as a defensive line coach Saturday, returning to his roots after becoming the NFL’s first head coach to post an 0-16 season.
Marinelli went 10-38 in three years with the Detroit Lions and was fired after failing to win a game this season. But before that, he was Tampa Bay’s defensive line coach for a decade. The Buccaneers’ line racked up 328 1/2 sacks under Marinelli, the most in the league during that span.
Marinelli will also serve as the Bears’ assistant head coach. He held that title his last four seasons with Tampa Bay.
Marinelli’s hiring in Chicago didn’t come as a surprise. He and Bears coach Lovie Smith are friends who worked together with the Bucs. Chicago tried to hire him as defensive coordinator in 2004, but Tampa Bay blocked the Bears.
Jets to interview Ravens’ Ryan
NEW YORK — The New York Jets will interview Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan today about their coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the search told The Associated Press.
Jets officials, including owner Woody Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum, will speak with Ryan in Baltimore, according to the person, who requested anonymity because the individual wasn’t authorized to discuss the search to replace the fired Eric Mangini.
Ryan’s stock has steadily risen with the Ravens’ postseason success. His defense forced three turnovers in Baltimore’s 13-10 victory at Tennessee on Saturday. The Ravens will play at Pittsburgh or San Diego next weekend for the right to go to the Super Bowl.
Ryan, 46, is in his fourth season leading the Ravens’ defense. He’s the son of ex-NFL coach Buddy Ryan and the twin brother of Oakland defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.
Chudzinski to interview with 49ers
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Rob Chudzinski, the Cleveland Browns’ offensive coordinator for the past two seasons, is interviewing with 49ers coach Mike Singletary for San Francisco’s vacant offensive coordinator job.
Footnotes.
Adam “Pacman” Jones suggested his days with the Dallas Cowboys may not be over.
In an interview on the NFL pregame show on CBS, the oft-troubled cornerback said not only does he expect to play football next season, “I think I might be back in Dallas.” Host James Brown then asked: “And you have an inkling that Jerry Jones will give you another shot?” Jones grinned and said, “Yeah, I do.”
Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple said the team had no comment.
• The NFL has fined the Colts’ Dwight Freeney $20,000 for comments he made after last weekend’s loss at San Diego.
The Associated Press
