Bears to Fire Ron Rivera

[spelunker64]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2771399

Updated: Feb. 19, 2007, 4:24 PM ET

Chicago doesn't plan to retain D-coordinator RiveraBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, who has interviewed for nine head coach positions in the NFL over the past two years but landed none of them, is poised to become a man without a job...

[Cobblestone]

I can't say I understand this move. I don't think defense is their problem but rather their strong point.

[Eyes of Old Main]

I guess they figure they are going to lose him anyway and some point in the future.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I completely understand this. If i'm running a company and one of my employees is constantly interviewing with other company's eventually i have to draw the line. Obviously he is not very loyal to the Bears by interviewing for any headcoaching position that comes availible. I'm sure if it was maybe 2 or 3 they would be a little more understanding, but not 9, that's a bit rediculous. He won't be unemployed for long someone will pick him up. He would have been a great fit at Notre Dame when their D cordinator position came availible last month.

[I Bleed Purple]

From what I've read and seen, Rivera isn't the head of the defense, Lovie is. So in the structure of the defense, Rivera isn't important. The DC calls the defensive plays, though, and a lot of people were upset in the Super Bowl that there wasn't as much blitzing from the backers. It was a more passive defense.

Also, they were grooming a replacement anyway, so might as well give him the job now.

[TheValleyRaider]

I completely understand this. If i'm running a company and one of my employees is constantly interviewing with other company's eventually i have to draw the line. Obviously he is not very loyal to the Bears by interviewing for any headcoaching position that comes availible. I'm sure if it was maybe 2 or 3 they would be a little more understanding, but not 9, that's a bit rediculous. He won't be unemployed for long someone will pick him up. He would have been a great fit at Notre Dame when their D cordinator position came availible last month.

I don't see what the big deal with that is. I realize the NFL is a cutthroat business, but every coach is looking to move up the ladder at some point. Some coaches will even tell you that they want their assistants to move on at some point, continuing to improve themselves and the profession. It does seem a bit at odds with a normal understanding of business, but if Lovie isn't going to retire anytime soon, why wouldn't Rivera be looking to move up if someone could be interested in him.

[AppGuy04]

and now he's hired by the Chargers as LB coach

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2771716

[Eyes of Old Main]

and now he's hired by the Chargers as LB coach

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2771716

Kind of a step down to be a DC, apply for a teams Head Coach job, but end up a position coach.

But, I'm sure Ron "My Resume Gathers No Dust" Rivera, will OK.

[AppGuy04]

Kind of a step down to be a DC, apply for a teams Head Coach job, but end up a position coach.

But, I'm sure Ron "My Resume Gathers No Dust" Rivera, will OK.

Shawne Merriman will lead him to another HC consideration

[DUPFLFan]

I think that the distraction of a head coaching search plus the fact that the defense has bombed in the playoffs caused Lovie and Ron to part ways.