August 6, 2007
Nickerson enjoying maiden voyage into coaching
By Larry Mayer
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Watching an NFL Films feature on new position coach Hardy Nickerson a few months ago was an eye-opening experience for Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer.
Nickerson, who played 16 NFL seasons with the Steelers, Buccaneers, Jaguars and Packers, was portrayed as a fierce and emotional middle linebacker who possessed great tenacity and passion.
An NFL linebacker for 16 seasons, Hardy Nickerson has brought his knowledge to the Bears as an assistant coach.
Hillenmeyer entered training camp wondering whether Nickerson’s rage as a player would carry over to his first coaching job. But so far the former NFL star has maintained the same sort of demeanor as his mentor, Bears coach Lovie Smith.
“He’s been real calm,” Hillenmeyer said. “I still haven’t seen him get real angry yet. I’m guessing that he’ll end up being the kind of guy who’s more of a teacher than a yeller and is really intense on game days just because he knows what it was like as a player.”
After spending last season in the radio booth as a color analyst for the Buccaneers, Nickerson realized how much he missed football and jumped at the chance to join Smith’s staff.
Nickerson was hired after Bob Babich was promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator in place of Ron Rivera, whose contract was not renewed.
Nickerson was selected to the Pro Bowl all four seasons that Smith was his position coach with the Buccaneers from 1996-99.
“He’s the same guy,” Nickerson said. “I couldn’t ask for a better situation, working under Lovie and Bob Babich and the other assistants. They have a lot more experience than I do, but it’s been great working with them and we’ve had a great time so far.”
Nickerson’s first taste of coaching at the NFL level came in 2004 when he worked with the Bears as a training camp intern during Smith’s first season with the team.
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Nickerson enjoying maiden voyage into coaching - Chicago Bears
Former MLB Nickerson enjoying maiden voyage into coaching
Former MLB Nickerson enjoying maiden voyage into coaching
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