Saying “it was just time to go on,” special-teams coach Danny Abramowicz decided Monday to leave the Bears.
And Matt Cavanaugh, scheduled for a second interview with head coach Dave Wannstedt on Tuesday, appeared likely to join the staff, replacing Ron Turner as offensive coordinator.
Hiring Cavanaugh, 40, the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterbacks coach, would free Wannstedt to move to his next priorities. One is to solidify the team’s quarterback position. Another is to replace Abramowicz, who wants to stay in the NFL.
Abramowicz, 51, a former All-Pro receiver, joined the Bears in 1992. He was retained when Wannstedt succeeded Mike Ditka the next season. His four years in Chicago have been characterized by daring and sometimes game-winning plays by his special teams.
“Danny did a great job,” said Wannstedt. “He said he’d like to look at other opportunities. We wish him well.”
Members of Wannstedt’s staff were offered two-year contract extensions last week. The others signed. Abramowicz said he wanted the weekend to think it over.
“I want to pursue a position as head coach or coordinator or position coach,” said Abramowicz. “My wife and I really enjoyed living in Chicago. We love the fans. They’re blue-collar sports fans. It was just time to go on.”
Abramowicz spent the majority of his pro career with the New Orleans Saints. He said returning to New Orleans, where there is an opening for a head coach, is “a possibility.” He will step into the job market with strong recommendations from Ditka and Wannstedt.
This season, Bobby Engram’s overhand cross-field lateral to Anthony Marshall produced an 88-yard kickoff return against the Detroit Lions. Blocked kicks, recovered onside kicks and TD passes from punt or field goal formations spiced the play of Abramowicz’s units.
Wannstedt met Monday night with Cavanaugh, who has emerged as the favorite in the search to replace Turner. Others considered were 49ers offensive coordinator Marc Trestman, Lions offensive coordinator Tom Moore and Oakland Raiders quarterbacks coach Larry Kennan.
Meanwhile, in an apparent effort to boost their player personnel department, the Bears have asked permission from the Pittsburgh Steelers to interview Tom Modrak, 54, their college personnel coordinator, according to Steelers sources.
