Bears deny report of interest in new coach

Despite a widespread belief that the Chicago Bears won't fire coach Lovie Smith and G.M. Jerry Angelo because to do so would require a buyout of their contracts, Hub Arkush of WSCR radio in Chicago said Tuesday that inquiries have been made in connection with a possible change.

"Inquiries have been made, feelers have been put out," Arkush said on the air.

The Bears say there's "absolutely no truth" to report. But what else would they say? "You got us. We're thinking about cleaning house. We tried to be discreet but since someone has caught wind of it we should just go ahead and admit it."

Besides, there's a chance that the "team source" who denied the report isn't in the loop on this one.

Angelo arrived on the job in 2001, hired late in the offseason after a lengthy dog-and-pony process that was directed by a consultant hired at the suggestion of the league office. The former Bucs exec fired coach Dick Jauron after the 2003 season, hiring Smith, who had also previously worked in Tampa.

The Bears entered the season with high expectations, given the decision to swing a trade for Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler. At 4-6 and with Cutler playing poorly, either the coaching staff has failed to use him properly, or the front office should have realized that he isn't very good.

Bears deny report of interest in new coach