Nobody can say the Bears haven’t given it the old college try.
California coach Jeff Tedford became the second college candidate in the same day to decline the Bears, two league sources said Sunday. Tedford informed the Bears on Saturday within hours of LSU coach Nick Saban rejecting general manager Jerry Angelo in Baton Rouge, La.
The Bears called Tedford, 42, and arranged for him to fly to Halas Hall on Saturday night with the understanding that the job was his if he wanted it, sources said.
Known as a quarterback specialist, Tedford has mentored first-round picks such as Trent Dilfer, David Carr, Akili Smith, Joey Harrington and Kyle Boller. But Tedford bypassed the chance to groom Rex Grossman and coach the Bears, sources said, because he considers the college environment more comfortable and conducive to his lifestyle.
That shifts the Bears’ focus to Steelers offensive line coach Russ Grimm and Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith as the coaching search begins its third week.
Grimm, a league source said, made plans to meet Angelo in the Chicago area and had risen near the top of the list, given the developments with Tedford and Saban. He never has worked as a coordinator at any level.
But Grimm has such a good reputation that new Washington coach Joe Gibbs expressed interest in him as offensive coordinator within hours of taking the job.
The field of remaining known candidates is now Grimm, Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith, Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, who’s still on hold, and Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache, who’s still a long shot.
Russ Grimm
As a player: Graduated from Pittsburgh. Played for Redskins for 11 years, winning three Super Bowls. Voted to four consecutive Pro Bowls.
As a coach: Third season as Pittsburgh’s offensive line coach. Also coached Washington’s offensive line and tight ends.
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Edited by Michael Kellams (mkellams@tribune.com)
