Marc Trestman Fired by Bears: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Chicago Bears looked to be moving in the right direction after coach Marc Trestman's 8-8 maiden season in 2013, but a 5-11 2014 campaign was a big letdown. As such, Trestman, 58, got the ax on "Black Monday." So too did general manager Phil Emery.    

The Bears announced the decision Monday afternoon, while Adam Hoge of WGNRadio.com provided a statement from Trestman:

The GM, hired in 2012 to replace Jerry Angelo, lasted just one more season in Chicago than Trestman.

Following Sunday's 13-9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Trestman stated he expected to remain the Bears' head coach, telling Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune:

"

I don’t have to go into the reasons that I expect to be back. I couldn’t look at it any other way or with any other kind of focus. My plan is to continue to finalize my notes now that the season is over and make sure that if the opportunity arises, I’ll be able to explain how we fix this thing. Because we have to get better.

"

When quarterback Jay Cutler was given a seven-year, $126.7 million contract ($54 million guaranteed) in January 2014 on the strength of his success in his first year with Trestman, it appeared the coach's job would be safe for the foreseeable future. However, Cutler regressed this season, and a woeful Bears defense hasn't helped (30th against the pass, 17th versus the run).

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Chris Trapasso of NFL.com hinted at this in his take on the situation following Chicago's 41-28 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14:

The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs documented what Trestman had to say about his future status at that time:

Bears tight end Martellus Bennett offered a ringing endorsement for Trestman, per the Chicago Sun-Times' Adam L. Jahns:

"

I would love to continue to play for Coach Trestman. I just love to play hard for the guy. He puts so much into each week, getting the team ready. So when I'm playing for him, not only am I playing for him, but I'm playing for his family. ... I love Coach Trestman. I love his approach to the game. But ultimately I have no say in [if he gets fired] ­whatsoever.

"

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall shared his reaction to the decision:

Trestman, a two-time champion in the Canadian Football League in five seasons, has a reputation for molding successful quarterbacks in his West Coast-style system. That should garner him attention for offensive coordinator positions moving forward.

As for the Bears' future, they must find a way to improve their defense regardless of who Trestman's successor is. Lovie Smith enjoyed a long tenure on the Chicago sidelines (2004-2012) and was a defensive-oriented leader. The steep drop-off on that side of the ball is a testament to how well Smith fared in the Windy City.

Taking the offense in a new direction is a difficult proposition for the Bears. Cutler has had a myriad of different systems during his time in Chicago, which has contributed to his inconsistency (3,812 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 18 interceptions in 2014).

Until the Bears can keep opponents off the board more often and get steadier play from Cutler, they will have trouble competing in the NFC North.