Bears make Marinelli defensive coordinator

The Chicago Bears lifted Rod Marinelli to defensive coordinator while rounding out their coaching staff. Players with bears jerseys.

Coach Lovie Smith announced the move Friday and called Marinelli “among the best defensive coaches in the NFL.” “From the first day I became head coach of the Chicago Bears I envisioned Rod as our defensive coordinator,” he said. “I considered him for the role last year, but wanted him to have the opportunity to work exclusively with our defensive line and become acclimated to our team.” “I’m very excited,” Marinelli told chicagobears.com. “The defensive staff has all worked together, so it’s just a chance to keep going and build on the subtleties of our system. We’ve all been in it together and I think the familiarity will help.”