Marinelli's Success As Defensive Line Coach Speaks For Itself

After being eliminated from playoff contention, Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith promised there would be change.  Today Lovie took a step in that direction by hiring former Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli as defensive line and assistant coach. 

Marinelli is coming off a 0-16 season in Detroit, becoming the first coach to lead a team to a 0-16 record.  What Marinelli did as a head coach in Detroit is a moot point for the Bears.  The Bears have hired him to coach one of the most talented but underachieving defensive lines in football. 

Prior to taking the Lions job, Marinelli spent a decade as the defensive line/assistant coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  During his time in Tampa, Marinelli was considered one the best D-line coaches in all of football. 

During his tenure with the Bucs, his defensive front led the NFL in sacks.  Warren Sapp  Simon Rice, and Chris Hovan are few players who have credited Marinelli for making them NFL stars.  

Similar to Tampa, Marinelli will have a lot of talent to work with in Chicago.  Maybe his biggest project is Tommie Harris.  The talented defensive tackle is coming off his second straight disappointing season, but he's very excited about being coached by Marinelli. 

Harris said, "I always wanted to be coached by him.  He is the best defensive line coach.  I know that from talking to Warren Sapp and also from what I have seen on tape."

Along with working with Harris, Marinelli will work with talented young defensive tackle Marcus Harrison.   The third round draft pick out of Arkansas had 28 tackles and two sacks this season.  He will most likely get much more playing time next year.

Anthony Adams and Israel Idonijie took a step forward this year, and will also benefit from working with Marinelli.  As for defensive end, Mark Anderson, who recorded 12 sacks during his rookie season, but only a total of six the past two years, should benefit from working with Marinelli. 

Much has been said about the relationship between Lovie and Marinelli.  Both became very close friends while working together and rooming together in Tampa.  Make no mistake, the signing of Marinelli has very little to do with their relationship and a lot to do with the success Marinelli has had as a defensive line coach.

If anyone can turn around this very talented but underachieving defensive line is Marinelli. The Bears did a very good job against the run this year, ranking fifth. Unfortunately, they could not get any pressure without blitzing. The Bears had a total of 28 sacks this year.  I don't need to tell anyone how bad that is.

If there's a difference to be made up front, Marinelli will make it.  Time will tell.