While the Bears continue to give Nick Saban time to consider becoming their next coach, which was general manager Jerry Angelo’s intention since the beginning of his search, their options continue to dwindle.
Jim Mora, defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers who had been viewed as the backup choice, agreed Thursday night to coach the Atlanta Falcons.
Saban told the Times-Picayune in New Orleans that he will take the weekend to “weigh some options” regarding the Bears job but that he has not met with Angelo.
“Jerry Angelo and I are very good friends [and] he visits me in Baton Rouge on occasion,” Saban said. “I’m very pleased and happy to be at LSU, and I know they are working hard to try and make things comfortable there for us.” He did not, however, remove himself from contention, nor reveal any plans to meet with Angelo.
If Saban chooses LSU after hearing the Bears’ offer, they likely would turn their attention to Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel or Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith, both of whom were interviewed.
The Bears haven’t completely ruled out Jim Fassel,who remains available after Arizona hired Dennis Green and Washington scored a coup by bringing back Joe Gibbs.
Fassel is still a candidate in Buffalo but is said to be trailing former Bears coach Dick Jauron, a favorite of Bills ownership.
“When we started the process to determine what situations Jim thought would be right for him, the Bears were always close to, or at the top of the list,” said Steve Rosner, one of Fassel’s agents.
HUSKERS RAID NFL: Former Raiders coach Bill Callahan reportedly will be hired as Nebraska’s new head football coach Friday, ending a long search to fill the vacancy at one of college football’s premier programs.
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Edited by the Sports staff of RedEye
