Ron Turner is no longer running the Chicago Bears offense.
Posted by Jeff Joniak in Jeff Joniak on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 | no responses
Ron Turner is no longer running the Chicago Bears offense.
He was relieved of his duties after five seasons under head coach Lovie Smith after a morning meeting. Speculation regarding Turner’s future was rampant throughout the season.
New quarterback Jay Cutler did not look comfortable at times adjusting to Turner’s system. Cutler threw an NFL high twenty-six interceptions and a career high twenty-seven touchdowns.
In the run game, the Bears struggled the entire season. They finished with the fourth-worst production in the league and set a franchise record for the fewest rushing first downs in a sixteen game season.
It was not a simple proposition to get everything to gel quickly. In addition to the April acquisition of Cutler, the Bears added three new parts to the offensive line. Veteran Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Pace struggled in eleven starts, before Chris Williams moved from right tackle. Free agent acquisition Frank Omiyale started at left guard for the first time in his career after playing less than 100 snaps in his career.
The receiver group surpassed expectations, but it was a young group that did not always synch up with Cutler. Earl Bennett started for the first time finishing with 57 catches, while youngsters Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu improved over the course of the season. Devin Hester was a starter at receiver for only his second full season.
Overall, Turner ran the Bears offense in two stages, in the 90’s for four years, and since 2005 under Smith. His tenure was marked by constant change at quarterback, but he coached Rex Grossman and the offense to Super Bowl 41 when the Bears tied for second in the NFL in scoring(26.7) points-per game.
In the 80 regular season games Ron Turner coordinated the Bears offense, they were 47-33. Quarterbacks threw 100 touchdowns and 99 interceptions(fourth most) with a 72.5 quarterback rating. The running game averaged 3.8 yards-per-carry, which ranked 29th, and 25th in rushing yards. This season, the offense finished 23rd in the NFL in yards, 29th in rushing yards.
Speculation on Turner’s replacement will center on building around the strengths and comfort level of the 26-year old starting quarterback Jay Cutler.
He relishes the work he did with his former Denver Broncos quarterback coach Jeremy Bates, who is now USC’s offensive coordinator under Pete Carroll.
Former Rams head coach Mike Martz hired Lovie Smith to run his defense. Martz is said to welcome an opportunity such as the one now available with the Bears. His pass first philosophy traditionally ignored the kind of running attack Smith welcomes in Chicago.
There are feelers out on many fronts regarding potential offensive coordinators for the Bears. Other coaching changes are expected today.
A 2-pm news conference is scheduled at Halas Hall to lay out the organizational future of the franchise. We expect to hear from team President Ted Phillips, General Manager Jerry Angelo, and Head Coach Lovie Smith.
WBBM780.com plans to stream the news conference live.
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