The Vikings wanted to interview Bears defensive backs coach Jon Hoke for their defensive coordinator vacancy, but the Bears said no.
The Bears declined the Vikings’ request on Monday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
It’s no surprise that the Bears wouldn’t let Hoke interview with a division rival while he still has a year left on his contract. Although Bears coach Lovie Smith has said he likes seeing coaches on his staff get the opportunity to advance in their professions, the Bears also refused to allow offensive line coach Mike Tice to interview to become the Titans’ offensive coordinator last year. The Bears later gave Tice a new contract, and now he’s been promoted to offensive coordinator in Chicago.
Last year Hoke interviewed for the Eagles’ defensive coordinator position, which ultimately (and controversially) went to Juan Castillo. But from the Bears’ perspective, that was a different situation because Hoke’s contract expired after the 2010 season. After being considered by the Eagles, Hoke eventually ended up signing a new two-year deal with the Bears at the same time that Tice got his new contract.
Before joining the Bears’ staff in 2009, Hoke was an assistant with the Texans from 2002 to 2008. Before that he spent 20 years as a college assistant. Hoke is the brother of Michigan head coach Brady Hoke.