Pixote Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 Bears interview Bengals QB coach January 12, 2010 6:08 PM By Dan Pompei A new name--and potential front-runner--has emerged in the Bears' search for an offensive coordinator. Multiple league sources said Bears coach Lovie Smith spent the day interviewing Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese, who is known for his work with Carson Palmer. The 42-year old is regarded as an up and comer and he also has been considered for other offensive coordinator jobs over the last couple of years. Zampese is under contract with the Bengals, having just signed an extension during the season. But Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and team owner Mike Brown gave the Bears permission to interview Zampese. It is likely the Bengals will require that the Bears move swiftly if they plan on hiring Zampese, because they will need to start a search for a replacement if he leaves. Zampese has spent seven seasons with the Bengals. Prior to that, he worked as an assistant on the Rams staff for Mike Martz with Smith. A separate league source said Martz, figuring his chances to become Bears offensive coordinator were limited, recommended Zampese to Smith. Martz also had recommended Zampese to Lewis. Zampese's father Ernie Zampese is a longtime NFL assistant coach and offensive coordinator who worked for the Cowboys, Chargers, Rams and Patriots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connorbear Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 Interesting. Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradjock Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 After the Terry Shea experiment . . . and the John Shoop experiment, it scares the hell out of me to get any inexperienced quarterbacks coach as the OC. Hell, for as bad as Turner was, he should be in the hall of fame compared to other Bear OC's over the past 50 years. The worst part is, after we hire a guy who's never been an OC, we'll hire a guy who's never been a QB coach, and one who's never been an o-line coach . . . hell, let Dez Clark coach the TE's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZ54 Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 After the Terry Shea experiment . . . and the John Shoop experiment, it scares the hell out of me to get any inexperienced quarterbacks coach as the OC. Hell, for as bad as Turner was, he should be in the hall of fame compared to other Bear OC's over the past 50 years. The worst part is, after we hire a guy who's never been an OC, we'll hire a guy who's never been a QB coach, and one who's never been an o-line coach . . . hell, let Dez Clark coach the TE's. Yep, you certainly don't want a Todd Haley type becoming your OC. Of course he being our WR coach a few years back and then went on to be an OC for the Cards helping them get to the Superbowl. He is now a head coach in KC, time will tell how he fits that role. I don't mean to be a smart ass but the point is there are talented coaches out there ready to take the next step. The key is finding them, but good teams do that. Look at Pittsburgh with Tomlin, he came out of nowhere. This guys resume has a lot of good experience albeit without the true OC title. He has never called plays but it doesn't mean he isn't ready to. I'm not saying I support him for the job because I know nothing about him. This job, with Lovie on the hot seat, is not necessarily one that is going to get the attention of proven OCs, outside of a few guys like Martz who want to get back into the league. I still feel we'll end up giving a guy his first shot at OC I just don't trust Lovie to make a good decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradjock Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 Yep, you certainly don't want a Todd Haley type becoming your OC. Of course he being our WR coach a few years back and then went on to be an OC for the Cards helping them get to the Superbowl. He is now a head coach in KC, time will tell how he fits that role. I don't mean to be a smart ass but the point is there are talented coaches out there ready to take the next step. The key is finding them, but good teams do that. Look at Pittsburgh with Tomlin, he came out of nowhere. This guys resume has a lot of good experience albeit without the true OC title. He has never called plays but it doesn't mean he isn't ready to. I'm not saying I support him for the job because I know nothing about him. This job, with Lovie on the hot seat, is not necessarily one that is going to get the attention of proven OCs, outside of a few guys like Martz who want to get back into the league. I still feel we'll end up giving a guy his first shot at OC I just don't trust Lovie to make a good decision. Why is it New England never hires a bad coach? Yet the thought of the Bears hiring an inexperience OC makes my stomach churn. Where would Tomlin be without Dick Lebeau? Lovie's not interested in offense and Angelo's more of a defensive minded guy. Terry Shea was a guy everyone in the NFL seemed to praise as a great hire. While he had no talent, his decisions were horrible and he refused to adjust. At this point I'll take average competence over unproven potential. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsideirish71 Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 Why does every freakin coach have some sort of history with Lovie. Stop hiring his goofy friends and acquaintances. Find people outside of the box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mongo3451 Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 I'm not saying I support him for the job because I know nothing about him. This job, with Lovie on the hot seat, is not necessarily one that is going to get the attention of proven OCs, outside of a few guys like Martz who want to get back into the league. I still feel we'll end up giving a guy his first shot at OC I just don't trust Lovie to make a good decision. This is why I believe they should have kept Turner if they weren't completely cleaning house: 1) The team already knows the playbook and the plabook is solid. Hiring a consultant was my idea last year and think it would've been the least expensive route this year. Look at Tom Moore in Indy as an example. I would even endorse Martz for that role. 2) As the OL progressed, the team progressed. Hiestand was a good choice for the scapegoat, as OL coaches are easy to come by. 3) DA was also a pleasant surprise at the end. I wonder if it was Turner or Lovie holding him back? Same with young Williams. 4) I've always been a proponent of validation. With a young QB like Cutler, continuity is a bonus. No luxury on that this off season. We now have to start with a whole new set of standards. 5) Good OC candidates are more than likely leary to cut their teeth with a lameduck staff. It's going to be a huge gamble that could possibly be a career killer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'TD' Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 There's only 3 things that scare me about him. 1) Lovie knows him and Marz is recommending him. I haven't been impressed with his buddies, and tired of seeing them franky. Didn't Martz recomment Shea too? 2) He'll be new at the position I know everyone is new at OC at one point at their career. I'd just like to see an experienced OC since the offense doesn't have veterans for him to lean on. I'd also be more comfortable with a new DC than OC in that the head coach is defensive minded and could help out. 3) Cincy's QB's haven't looked that great the last couple years It could just be Fitzpatrick was just that bad, likely, but Palmer didn't look good in the play off game the other day. I can understand him being off a little due to coming back after missing so much last year, but I figured he'd snap out of it by the play offs. On the other hand... His dad was an OC and that can be nothing but good and in itself makes me more comfortable than if it was Bates. Speaking of Bates, I think it's also a positive that he's not a Cutler guy. I have no problem with Cutler having some pull with decisions on the field, but I think he shouldn't have it off the field. The Bengals offense has been the only bright thing on that team, paticularly the passing game, since he has been there. This year the defense and the running game stepped up. The other thing is Palmer's brother talking about him being a stickler for mechanics and stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowlingtwig Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 There's only 3 things that scare me about him. 1) Lovie knows him and Marz is recommending him. I haven't been impressed with his buddies, and tired of seeing them franky. Didn't Martz recomment Shea too? 2) He'll be new at the position I know everyone is new at OC at one point at their career. I'd just like to see an experienced OC since the offense doesn't have veterans for him to lean on. I'd also be more comfortable with a new DC than OC in that the head coach is defensive minded and could help out. 3) Cincy's QB's haven't looked that great the last couple years It could just be Fitzpatrick was just that bad, likely, but Palmer didn't look good in the play off game the other day. I can understand him being off a little due to coming back after missing so much last year, but I figured he'd snap out of it by the play offs. On the other hand... His dad was an OC and that can be nothing but good and in itself makes me more comfortable than if it was Bates. Speaking of Bates, I think it's also a positive that he's not a Cutler guy. I have no problem with Cutler having some pull with decisions on the field, but I think he shouldn't have it off the field. The Bengals offense has been the only bright thing on that team, paticularly the passing game, since he has been there. This year the defense and the running game stepped up. The other thing is Palmer's brother talking about him being a stickler for mechanics and stuff. I am not sure about Zampese at all. Everything I hear has been good though. From what I have hear Zampese has ties to the Air Coryell system because of his dad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearFan2000 Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 Why does every freakin coach have some sort of history with Lovie. Stop hiring his goofy friends and acquaintances. Find people outside of the box. Because Lovie has final say and only wants to surround himself with friends and yes men. I too am tired of perpetually hiring guys who for the most part are coaching positions they previously never held. Terry Shea is a good example he was well thought of coming in but once he got here it was clear he was in over his head in a parking lot puddle. I thought after the press conference that quality candidates were lined up around the building and beating down the door to get a chance to be a coordinator for this team. (sarcasm) Yet we will likely end up with the inexperienced and desperate while allowing the few qualified candidates to go elsewhere without even so much as a phone call. Do they honestly think anyone is actually fooled into thinking they are really looking for the best man for the job? Do they really think we're that stupid that we can't see through the BS? If I'm a qualified OC or DC and I'm looking for a job. I want stability, control of decision making, potential to work with, and freedom to do my job. With the Bears under a lame duck coach you have one of those things and it's not necessarily a tangible one... that's potential. There is no stability, Lovie will determine what decisions you are allowed to make in both play calling and personnel, and you will be a puppet. Yep, Chicago would be my #1 choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
defiantgiant Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 I am not sure about Zampese at all. Everything I hear has been good though. From what I have hear Zampese has ties to the Air Coryell system because of his dad. Yeah, he's got a good pedigree in the Coryell offense. His dad ran a Coryell system, and he worked in Martz's Coryell offense (with Al Saunders) in St. Louis. Bob Bratkowski also runs a Coryell offense in Cincinnati, although it's not ridiculously pass-oriented like Martz's variant. In fact, they've gone very run-heavy since they got Benson. But Zampese also worked with Sean Payton and Mike McCarthy, who run West Coast offenses. So he's got some experience in other systems. Also, the Tribune has a decent article on Zampese...it sounds like he'd be a better hire than Bates, if only because a bunch of other teams have thought enough of him to interview him for their OC jobs, which can't be said of Bates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DABEARSDABOMB Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 Why is it New England never hires a bad coach? Yet the thought of the Bears hiring an inexperience OC makes my stomach churn. Where would Tomlin be without Dick Lebeau? Lovie's not interested in offense and Angelo's more of a defensive minded guy. Terry Shea was a guy everyone in the NFL seemed to praise as a great hire. While he had no talent, his decisions were horrible and he refused to adjust. At this point I'll take average competence over unproven potential. Josh McDaniels was a QB coach who moved his way up and did fine in New England. They often times hire the small, young, sharp minds and it seems to work out for them. Obviously you have to target the right guys though. Zampese seems like a pretty good target and I like his background. We have no idea how he will handle play-calling but his dad was a sucessful OC so he at least can look to him for help. I support this idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DABEARSDABOMB Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 Why does every freakin coach have some sort of history with Lovie. Stop hiring his goofy friends and acquaintances. Find people outside of the box. Wouldn't this be an outside the box hire. Martz is backing him and he really isn't friends of Lovie, rather close to Lovie's guys. Also, this is how it works in the NFL and professional sports in general. You tend to hire guys you know or are comfortable with (or that get referred to you by guys you know). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DABEARSDABOMB Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 On a sidenote, I was dreaming last night that the Bears moves paid off perfectly and Lovie ends up getting another extension in two years after we win the superbowl!!!! Of course before I got to celebrate my fiance woke me up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DABEARSDABOMB Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 Zampese is being interviewed by the Bears again today and is believed to be meeting with Jay Cutler as well. I got a feeling that this is our new OC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowlingtwig Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 Zampese is being interviewed by the Bears again today and is believed to be meeting with Jay Cutler as well. I got a feeling that this is our new OC. I sure hope so. He has been around for a while and been around alot of different offensive schemes from the west coast to air coryell. He is also very well respected and considered to be an up and comer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
defiantgiant Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 I sure hope so. He has been around for a while and been around alot of different offensive schemes from the west coast to air coryell. He is also very well respected and considered to be an up and comer. And he's the one guy we've had on the list so far who's coming from a successful offense that prioritizes the run. Not to mention the work he's done with Carson Palmer: with Zampese coaching him, Palmer threw for over 12,000 yards and 86 TDs from 2005 through 2007. Before he hurt his throwing elbow, the guy's average season was 4000 yards and 29 scores versus 15 interceptions...I'd take those numbers from Cutler any day of the week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TerraTor Posted January 13, 2010 Report Share Posted January 13, 2010 I imagine hes just rediculously cheap. Plus anyone who was somewhat associated with making Benson perform must have some kinda credentials Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParkerBear7 Posted January 14, 2010 Report Share Posted January 14, 2010 This is the only endorsement I need on Zampese: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/...es-zampese.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
defiantgiant Posted January 14, 2010 Report Share Posted January 14, 2010 This is the only endorsement I need on Zampese: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/...es-zampese.html Kitna spoke highly of him, too. Although maybe Carson Palmer balances out Kitna and Krenzel... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DABEARSDABOMB Posted January 14, 2010 Report Share Posted January 14, 2010 This is the only endorsement I need on Zampese: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/...es-zampese.html Palmer speaks highly of him and Krenzels backing is actually significant. Krenzel might not have had the tools to play in the pro's but he was smart, very smart and his blessing says a lot, imo . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.