The Bears could still make the playoffs. In theory, they could still win the Super Bowl. (Quit laughing, Packers fans; I said “in theory.”)
Regardless, the team will have a new offensive coordinator in 2012.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Bears are not expected to bring Martz back when his contract expires after the season.
Martz has been connected to vacancies at Arizona State and UCLA. Some have even speculated that Martz could draw interest from the Jaguars, given the ultra-superficial connection between Martz’s status as a former head coach of the Rams and new Jags owner Shahid Khan’s status as a former Rams season-ticket holder.
The Bears hired Martz after the 2010 season only after several other candidates passed. At the time, others presumably weren’t interested due to the perception/reality that the fate of the entire coaching staff hinged on the success of the offense. In 2012, it could be easier than it was the last time around to find someone to draw up the O’s.