Now THIS One Could Hurt

Could Pitt be in line to lose another coach?

MOBILE, Ala.—After being spurned by three potential offensive coordinators with mostly NFL experience, the Bears may turn to candidates with more extensive college backgrounds.

Coach Lovie Smith plans to interview two more candidates for his vacant offensive coordinator position this week and one source close to the situation said he expects the process to be wrapped up soon.

The Bears have received permission to speak with Vikings quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers, who is expected to interview at Halas Hall today. The team is awaiting permission to speak with a second candidate. That interview is tentatively scheduled for Friday.

Saints tight ends coach Terry Malone and University of Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti are also on the Bears’ radar, according to sources.

Frankly, I never gave this any thought, but as good a year as he had, it shouldn't come as any surprise that he could draw interest.

This would undoubtedly be a blow to Pitt. Cignetti had an incredible year and it would really, for lack of a better term, suck, if he left the Panthers after only one season. Another reason for the potential interest by an NFL team is that Frank also has experience in the NFL as a former Quarterbacks coach. And of course, it doesn't help that he had a great year in the college ranks.

The 'ol message boards aren't being kind to him. That's fine by me - I'll keep him.

I'm hoping the local ties might influence him a little, but in the eyes of most, the NFL is the ultimate goal.