Beginning a new era the Chicago Bears hope will push the organization into a different offensive realm, Marc Trestman was introduced Thursday morning at Halas Hall as the 14th coach in franchise history.
General manager Phil Emery, in explaining his decision to fire former coach Lovie Smith more than two weeks ago, cited long-running offensive efficiencies for an organization that has typically looked to the defensive side of the ball for its highest leader.
Emery on Thursday described the interview process that led to Trestman this way: "It was an interesting road ... and a road well-traveled." He confirmed that Trestman, Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians and Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell were the three finalists, with Bevell the first to be eliminated.
As to why he choose Trestman over Arians, Emery first cited adaptability, the fact that Trestman has been with numerous NFL teams as an assistant and also coached in the unfamiliar Canadian Football League and excelled at each stop.
"He’s had personal ups and downs, but in the end, where is he? He’s a champion and now he’s the head coach of the Chicago Bears," Emery said. "Do not underestimate Mark Trestman as a cmpetitor. He's as tough-minded as anybody I've been around. That's the kind of guy I want to be in a room with."
Trestman followed Emery to the podium and said the Bears were "clearly a franchise that has the highest expectations for its team."
"I do feel the passion, I do feel the urgency, and boy, do I feel the commitment to win," Trestman said.
Trestman said his first priority would be assembling a staff and said he had the final say. He said some of his assistants from the CFL's Montreal Alouettes could be joining him.
"We've got to put together a staff of high character," he said. "Men who are experts in the science of football."
Trestman emphasized the importance of the quarterback position and also the line that protects him.
"I'm going to be responsible for keeping Jay (Cutler) and our quarterbacks safe in the pocket," he said.
As for his role, Trestman said, "I get to be the GPS system of the team. That's the fun part."
Asked about Cutler, Trestman said he spoke with the quarterback recently over lunch and, "I can't wait to get my hands on him, and work with him. I think he's ready."
"This guy loves football. He wants to be great. Hopefully we can give him some protection and some direction."
Trestman said he will continue to call the offensive plays: "I love calling plays. As long as Phil lets me, I get to do that. If it's in the best interests of the team, that's what I will start out doing."
Trestman termed his expected relationship with Cutler this way: "The No. 1 marriage in all of sports is the marriage between a quarterback and his coach." He said the quarterback "is going to have the keys to the car."
Asked about the pass/run balance on offense, Trestman said, "The only objective is to score touchdowns."
On defense, Trestman said it all starts with pressuring the opponent's quarterback.
"We've got to hurry 'em, hit 'em and knock 'em down,'' he said.
Asked about Rod Marinelli, Trestman said the veteran defensive coordinator wouldn't be staying.
"I had a chance to talk to Rod," Trestman said. "He's made up his mind I believe to move on."
Trestman said he and Emery would discuss the future defensive leadership.
Asked about Brian Urlacher, Trestman lavished praise on the veteran linebacker but stopped short of saying he definitely will be part of the defense going forward.
"I recognize what he's meant to this locker room," Trestman said.
Trestman said he would be open to playing a 3-4 defense, but that it would depend on his team's personnel and that he was aware of the success the Bears have enjoyed with the 4-3.
As for goals, Trestman said, "Our goal will be to hold up a trophy."
Under Smith, Dick Jauron and Dave Wannstedt, the three coaches that followed Mike Ditka, the Bears rarely have produced consistent offensive efforts. All three were defensive coordinators before coming to the club. While the Bears were stout defensively throughout Smith’s nine seasons, they were almost always deficient on offense.
With Trestman in place, the Bears will work to revamp the offense on the fly and take advantage of what remains a productive defense with aging core players. Trestman’s long history as a quarterback guru and innovative offensive mind pushed him to the top of a thorough coaching search by Emery.
The challenge for Trestman will be bringing out the best in Cutler, whom the Bears traded for by mortgaging the future in 2009. The belief then was the young, Pro Bowl gunslinger was the missing piece. He’s played in two playoff games since, winning one. Now, Cutler will be 30 in April and is entering the final year of his contract. His future must be determined in the coming months and Emery made the handling of Cutler a key component of the interview process.
Trestman did more than work with quarterbacks during a five-year stint as the head coach of the Alouettes. His team reached the playoffs in five consecutive seasons, winning two Grey Cup championships. Previously, he spent 17 seasons working as an assistant in the NFL for eight different organizations. He last worked for the Dolphins in 2004 under Wannstedt. Now, Trestman has the opportunity to operate his own club in the NFL, fulfilling a lifelong goal of the 57-year-old, who has a law degree.
Trestman: 'Passion' and 'urgency' to win with Bears
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Trestman: 'Passion' and 'urgency' to win with Bears
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