Professor

New Bears defensive coordinator Babich taking a hands-on approach

'D' has first-time caller :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears

excerpt:

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- If you're curious about what the Bears' revamped defense will look like, imagine how the players feel a day before the exhibition opener at Houston.

Of all the changes since the Bears last took the field, the promotion of Bob Babich as defensive coordinator could be the biggest. Yes, Adam Archuleta might prove to be a steal teaming with Mike Brown at safety, and Darwin Walker could be an upgrade at tackle over Tank Johnson. But the man pushing the buttons for the well-oiled and experienced outfit is worth watching.

Babich, after all, is the guy Lovie Smith wanted to hire in 2004 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rebuffed Smith's efforts to bring in Rod Marinelli. Instead, Babich served as linebackers coach for three seasons, and, as Smith says, ''Bob had as much to do with us playing defense around here as anyone.''

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