Chicago Bears News: Ron Turner Fired

Reports are already flying out of Chicago before the scheduled 2 p.m. CST press conference at Halas Hall about sweeping changes that are coming for the Bears.

Head coach Lovie Smith will be retained, but reports Tuesday morning are that his coaching staff will change dramatically. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner will allegedly be fired, and defensive line coach Rod Marinelli will be promoted to defensive coordinator.

There had been speculation that Smith's job wasn't safe, but it appears the Bears will not make a move before the 2010 season with their head coach. He is due $11 million over the next two seasons, which undoubtedly plays a role in his return.

Turner, however, appears to be the scapegoat for the Jay Cutler-led failure on offense this year. On Monday, the 7-9 Bears bought a full-page ad in the major Chicago newspapers with an open letter to fans apologizing for the poor 2009 season.

Many fans have questioned the personnel decisions that were made before and during the 2009 season. It appears GM Jerry Angelo will escape accountability at this time as well.

Meanwhile Marinelli, who has been praised by former players for his work as a defensive line coach, was brought in after leading the winless 2008 Detroit Lions. His promotion to defensive coordinator is a relative vote of no-confidence in Smith from management. He had been calling the defense in 2009.

The Bears struggled with injuries throughout 2009, most notably losing star linebacker Brian Urlacher to a wrist injury in Week One against Green Bay.

UPDATE: The rumors of Marinelli becoming the Defensive Coordinator have not yet become true.