3 potential DCs for Matt Eberflus’ Chicago Bears coaching staff

Rod Marinelli

Rod Marinelli has already served as the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator.

Rod Marinelli is currently serving as the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line coach. The Raiders are in the process of looking for a new general manager and head coach. Depending on the new regime that the Raiders install, Marinelli certainly could be looking to land with a new team ahead of the 2022 season.

Marinelli does have previous experience with the Chicago Bears. Marinelli joined the Bears’ coaching staff in 2009 after his tenure as the Lions head coach. While Marinelli first served as an assistant head coach and defensive line coach for the Bears under head coach Lovie Smith, he was promoted to defensive coordinator after the 2009 season.

Marinelli parted with the Bears’ organization after the 2012 season once Smith was fired. Marinelli also has a direct connection to the new Bears’ head coach Matt Eberflus. He served as a mentor to Eberflus and in fact, it was Marinelli that endorsed Eberflus to Indianapolis Colts’ general manager Ballard. Ballard hired Eberflus as the Colts’ defensive coordinator in 2018.

It is also important to remember that Eberflus will be entering his first head coaching position at any level. He is likely going to need some assistance in regards to the role of being a head coach in the NFL.

Marinelli can continue his mentorship of Eberflus in that regard. Marinelli has served as both a head coach and assistant head coach in the past. Marinelli’s head coaching experience could be something Eberflus can lean on during the 2022 season.

If the Bears are going to run a Tampa-2 defense, Marinelli would be an ideal candidate to serve as the team’s defensive coordinator.