Why the Loss of Mike Martz Could Ruin Jay Cutler's Career

There are reports that this could be the last season of the Mike Martz era in Chicago. If so, Martz’s replacement will go a long way to defining the rest of Jay Cutler’s career.

This make-or-break hire will hinge on one key factor.

Will the Bears choose to promote from within and keep a similar system in place, or look outside and shake things up? This key factor could be the difference in Jay Cutler continuing to grow as a QB and having to start over again. 

By the end of this season, Jay Cutler’s career will be at or approaching the halfway point. Through seven seasons, Cutler has put up big numbers—both positively and negatively. Cutler has picked up yards and TDs in bunches, but also turnovers and sacks.

Over the last two seasons under Martz, Cutler has begun to find his stride and take better care of the ball. This year especially, he and his offensive line have done a great job at limiting the hits and sacks that plagued Cutler’s early days in Chicago.

In short, Cutler has gained some significant momentum towards becoming the QB he wants to be under Mike Martz.

So here, at Cutler’s halfway point, the Bears organization will have to make an important decision for both its franchise and its franchise quarterback. Do you really want to risk a Cutler regression, even if just for a season, if you decide to bring in a new scheme from outside?

The safe move would be sticking to the Martz bloodline, perhaps by promoting Mike Tice, the current offensive line coach. The risk of derailing your franchise QB is simply too great if you bring in a new scheme and terminology.

If Mike Martz is truly on the way out in Chicago, the Bears would be wise not to rock the boat too dramatically and risk rolling back some of the progress that Cutler has made under Martz. The rest of Cutler’s career could be defined by this decision, as he likely only has only four or five prime years left.

With so many coaches out there who know Mike Martz’s offensively philosophy, they should hire someone who can make only small changes without overhauling too much.