By Vaughn McClure MOBILE, Ala. -- Cross Ken Zampese's name off the list of candidates for the Bears' offensive-coordinator position.
Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis told the Tribune that Zampese will remain as the team's quarterbacks coach next season. After Zampese interviewed with the Bears for the position Jan 12-13, Lewis gave his coach a week to make a decision.
"For us, that time has come and gone as far as the deadline,'' Lewis said Monday. "That's kind of closed up, and I don't think Lovie (Smith) has made a decision on what he wants to do yet.''
Lewis said Smith was made aware of the deadline after the Bengals granted the Bears permission to speak with Zampese. The Bears did not extend a contract offer, according to a source.
Photo: Ken Zampese apparently will remain with the Bengals. (NFL)
"From our standpoint, when we have a guy who goes and interviews for a
job, we ask him to make a decision in a timely matter,'' Lewis said.
"Obviously, we've got to protect our organization as well.''
Smith and Zampese have ties going back to their days in St. Louis. Former Rams head coach Mike Martz, who does not appear to be a top option for the Bears, reportedly recommended Zampese to Smith.
Zampese, 42, earned a strong reputation for developing Bengals' Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer. The son of Ernie Zampese also has interviewed for offensive-coordinator positions in the past with the Jets, Panthers and Buccaneers.
"Kenny's qualified, no question about it,'' Lewis said. `"I've watched him grow and mature. I think when the opportunity is right, Kenny will do a good job.''
The Bears apparently have turned their focus to Hue Jackson, the quarterbacks coach for the Baltimore Ravens. A source told the Tribune that Jackson was on the way to Chicago to interview with the Bears. He reportedly has an offer from the Oakland Raiders.
The Bears also interviewed Chargers assistant head coach Rob Chudzinski and lined up an interview with then-USC offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates after firing Ron Turner. Chudzinski won't join the Bears and could remain in San Diego, while Bates followed Trojans head coach Pete Carroll to Seattle to be the Seahawks' offensive coordinator. The Green Bay Packers declined the Bears' request to interview Tom Clements, their quarterbacks coach.
The Bears also are looking for a defensive coordinator after being turned down by Perry Fewell, who took the same position with the Giants.
Smith and Zampese have ties going back to their days in St. Louis. Former Rams head coach Mike Martz, who does not appear to be a top option for the Bears, reportedly recommended Zampese to Smith.
Zampese, 42, earned a strong reputation for developing Bengals' Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer. The son of Ernie Zampese also has interviewed for offensive-coordinator positions in the past with the Jets, Panthers and Buccaneers.
"Kenny's qualified, no question about it,'' Lewis said. `"I've watched him grow and mature. I think when the opportunity is right, Kenny will do a good job.''
The Bears apparently have turned their focus to Hue Jackson, the quarterbacks coach for the Baltimore Ravens. A source told the Tribune that Jackson was on the way to Chicago to interview with the Bears. He reportedly has an offer from the Oakland Raiders.
The Bears also interviewed Chargers assistant head coach Rob Chudzinski and lined up an interview with then-USC offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates after firing Ron Turner. Chudzinski won't join the Bears and could remain in San Diego, while Bates followed Trojans head coach Pete Carroll to Seattle to be the Seahawks' offensive coordinator. The Green Bay Packers declined the Bears' request to interview Tom Clements, their quarterbacks coach.
The Bears also are looking for a defensive coordinator after being turned down by Perry Fewell, who took the same position with the Giants.
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Val, excellent post. And true.
Ditto for Mel.
Time to do what baseball has been doing for years....
Go to Japan and find the bears coordinators. Most don't know anything about Lovie. Heck...most don't know anything about football. That's perfect. Most of the bears coaches don't know anything about football either. A match made in heaven.
Andy - what exactly do we "hold true"?
A good beef sammich?
The Bears might be in luck with Hue Jackson. The only competition seems to be the Raiders .... which is possibly the only team that could put a new coach in a worse situation after next season. If Cable survives next season it'll be a miracle. And Davis runs the Raiders ... enough said.
Donals Duck will be interviewed next. The Disney Corp. will allow him to coach next year provided no new movie deals come up. Disney's CEO stated that we must protect the brand. However, the experience of working with the Bears opens up future film opportunities. Stay tuned. That's all folks.
Listen up Bears fans......strike Halas Hall until they sell
Look at the BHawks........They are the face of Chicago....The Bears and the McKaskey family are a disgrace to everything we hold true.