In rather shocking news, FoxSports.com is reporting the Chicago Bears have decided not to renew defensive coordinator Ron Rivera’s contract, instead opting to promote linebackers coach Bob Babich. According to Fox’s Jay Glazer, nobody should be surprised seeing as how Lovie Smith has coveted Babich for years now. Apparently, many teams have inquired about Babich’s services over the past two years, therefore Smith was keen to make the promotion happen now.
On the surface, this news surprised me too. However, Rivera was viewed as a potential head coach this past offseason and might be one as soon as next year. Smith and the Bears obviously know this, so if Chicago feels like they have a qualified suitor in Babich right now, the move isn’t as shocking. With that said, it’s still quite a move considering all the head coaching vacancies are filled and the Bears could have had Rivera as their defensive coordinator for at least another year.
