Around the NFL

Chicago Bears plan to part ways with Mel Tucker

Published: Dec 07, 2014 at 01:51 AM

The Chicago Bears need to do something in order to reverse their fortunes in 2015 and placate a hostile fan base unsure if the Marc Trestman regime is for real.

According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, that will likely mean terminating the contract of defensive coordinator Mel Tucker at season's end.

Rapoport reported Sunday that Tucker, who has spent the last six seasons as an NFL defensive coordinator with the Browns, Jaguars and Bears, could end up being the fall guy for a talented, but underperforming 5-8 team, barring significant improvement.

At the moment, Tucker's defense is 26th in total defense (377.8 yards/game) and has given up more than 50 points twice this season already. On *Thursday Night Football* this week, Tucker's defense allowed 41 points to the Dallas Cowboys.

Obviously, Tucker is not the only problem, and might not be the biggest in Chicago.

But if the organization feels the need to move forward with minimal casualties, a quick coordinator change is often the easiest way to go.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast previews a busy Week 14 schedule and recaps the Cowboys' win over the Bears. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

news

Jordan Love admits playoff loss to 49ers has Packers 'hungry' for Week 12 rematch

Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love had all offseason to reflect on last season's playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and he certainly hasn't forgotten how that defeat made him feel ahead of Sunday's rematch.

news

Caleb Williams finds positives in Bears' narrow loss to Packers: 'Efficient football'

The Bears lost their fourth straight game Sunday, dropping them to 4-6, but there were some positives in the defeat, particularly regarding Caleb Williams, Thomas Brown and Chicago's more efficient offense.

news

Chargers' Jim Harbaugh downplays matchup with brother, Ravens ahead of Monday night showdown

Don't try to make Monday's game about Jim and John Harbaugh. The Chargers coach certainly wasn't interested in feeding the narrative when asked repeatedly about his meeting with his brother, the longtime Baltimore coach.

news

Niners QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) limited in practice; TE George Kittle (hamstring) says he'll be playing vs. Packers

In their first practice of the week, 49ers QB Brock Purdy (shoulder soreness) was limited, while TE George Kittle (hamstring) said he'll be playing vs. the Packers after missing Week 11.

news

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (hamstring) trending to return Sunday vs. Giants

Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is trending toward returning for Tampa Bay's Week 12 date with the Giants, coach Todd Bowles told reporters Wednesday.

news

Week 12 injury report for 2024 NFL season

NFL.com tracks all injuries for each Week 12 game of the 2024 NFL season.

news

Jets WR Davante Adams not surprised by Joe Douglas' firing, doesn't regret trade to New York

Jets wide receiver Davante Adams discussed New York's decision this week to fire GM Joe Douglas. The move did not surprise Adams, who said "when things aren't working, typically things get moved around."

news

2024 NFL Season, Week 12: Four things to watch for in Steelers-Browns on Prime Video, NFL+

NFL.com's Eric Edholm breaks down four things to watch for when the Pittsburgh Steelers kick off Week 12 at the division rival Cleveland Browns on Thursday night.

news

Broncos QB Bo Nix, Saints TE Taysom Hill highlight Players of the Week

New Orleans do-it-all talent Taysom Hill and Denver quarterback Bo Nix were tabbed as the top offensive Players of the Week.

news

NFL news roundup: Latest league updates from Wednesday, Nov. 20

NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown.

news

Browns' Nick Chubb sees first matchup against Steelers since knee injury as 'normal game'

Four hundred thirty days after ripping his knee to shreds in a prime-time game against Pittsburgh, Browns running back Nick Chubb will once again face the AFC North rival on Thursday night.

news

Bengals' Zac Taylor has no problem with Ja'Marr Chase's 'emotional' postgame comments

Zac Taylor heard Ja'Marr Chase's postgame comments following Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers but didn't take issue with his star player essentially calling out the play calls.