The named candidates are..

Mike Martz

-Is an awful fit in Chicago.  Other than half a season as Offensive Coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers in 2008, Martz has not coached an outdoor team since 1998.  In that 2008 year, he was fired half way through the season by Mike Singletary.  Martz’s “greatest show on turf” offense was very successful with the Rams in the early 00’s.  However, Martz is always the smartest man in the room, just ask him.  He has been unable to keep a job since he was fired as Rams head coach in 2005. Two bad years in Detroit and a failed half season in San Francisco.  His scheme would be difficult to execute in the cold wintry conditions at Soldier Field.  I am not says a passing game will not work.  I am saying Martz’s passing game based on timing and precise routes is a lot to a lot to ask when the conditions are not ideal.  any slight slip or change to the timing and the play is blown up.  If Mike Martz is hired expect a new Bears head coach in 2011.

Jeremy Bates

-Jay Cutler’s cuddle buddy from Denver.  Cutler has been lobbying harder for Bates to be hired than he was for Ron Turner to actually play Aromashodu. (which was really hard fyi)  Bates who is young, 33, has a reputation as a brilliant up and coming coach.  Cutler loves him, which counts for something since the Bears handed him the keys to the team.  The concerns I have with Bates is when he went from Broncos QB coach to the Offensive Coordinator at USC.  The 2009 version of the Trojan offense was not what we are used to. Ranked 49th in the country in total offense.  That was a drop from 13th in 2008 and 27th in 2007 and 2006.  I know USC lost a lot of talent to the NFL.  But they have more 5 star players on their roster than any other team in the country.  USC reloads every year. His somewhat unimpressive year as O-Coordinator does concern me a little.  However, I think he is a young coach with the arrow pointing up.  I think Bates would be a great hire.  However, I am not 100% sold he is ready to be the offensive coordinator of an NFL team.  

Of the two I would hire Bates.  However, I would also bring in another offensive coach who has been an offensive coordinator in the past. Jim Fassel is a guy that comes to mind.  Hire Jim Fassel as “Assistand Head Coach/ Offense” and have him work with Bates.  Fassel is due another chance in the NFL.  If the offense is successful he would only last a season or two before he would be hired as O-Coordinator or even Head Coach elsewhere.  By that time Bates should be ready.I recommend a combination of Jim Fassel and Jermey Bates for the Bears offense.