NFL Chicago Bears

Comparing Marc Trestman To Previous Chicago Bears Coaches

Fresh Videos

By @edpvideo

Comparing Marc Trestman To Four Previous Chicago Bears Coaches

DaBears Chicago Bears Fans
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

In the words of Aaron Rodgers, Bears fans need to R-E-L-A-X. After loosing four of their last five games, the bye week offers little reprieve from the carnage of the past eight weeks. But if you’re thinking Marc Trestman is sliding into the abyss of failed Chicago Bears’ coaches, history offers a glimmer of hope. Trestman’s record of 11-13 is on par with the preceding four Bears’ coaches — a few of whom continued on with great success.

5. Mike Ditka, 1982-1992, 106-62 Record

Mike Ditka Chicago Bears
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

5. Mike Ditka, 1982-1992, 106-62 Record

Mike Ditka Chicago Bears
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

“Da Coach” owned the NFC Central by winning six titles in his 11 seasons. However, in his first two seasons, Ditka’s record was 11-14. Things quickly improved in his third season with a trip to the NFC Championship game, and they won Super Bowl XX in his fourth.

4. Dave Wannstedt, 1993-1998, 40-56 Record

Dave Wannstedt
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

4. Dave Wannstedt, 1993-1998, 40-56 Record

Dave Wannstedt
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

In his six seasons, Wannstedt never figured out how to get over the hump. For four seasons, his teams hovered around the .500 mark and rapidly declined in his final two seasons. His record for his first two seasons was 16-16.

3. Dick Jauron, 1999-2003, 35-45 Record

Dick Jauron
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

3. Dick Jauron, 1999-2003, 35-45 Record

Dick Jauron
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

After an uninspiring 11-21 record in his first two seasons, lightning struck for Jauron in his third season when the Bears had one miraculous win after another. That season saw a 13-3 record but ended with a loss in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.

2. Lovie Smith, 2004-2012, 81-63 Record

Lovie Smith Chicago Bears
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

2. Lovie Smith, 2004-2012, 81-63 Record

Lovie Smith Chicago Bears
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

After stumbling out of the gate to a 5-11 record in his first season, Smith rebounded quickly by winning the NFC North with a 11-5 record in his second season, making a trip to the Divisional Playoffs. Smith's third season was his best, as the team posted a 13-3 record before eventually losing in Super Bowl XLI.

1. Marc Trestman, 2013-Present, 11-13

Marc Trestman Chicago Bears
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

1. Marc Trestman, 2013-Present, 11-13

Marc Trestman Chicago Bears
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

This season has been viewed as a free fall from promising future to bleak reality. At 11-13, Trestman stands at a coaching crossroads. His mediocre start is not unlike those before him, but will he follow the path of Ditka and Smith, or Wannstedt and Jauron? History suggests it’s too early to give up on the new coach.

Paul Kakert is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @edpvideo, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on