Smith: Marinelli game's best D-line coach

INDIANAPOLIS - To hear head coach Lovie Smith talk, adding Rod Marinelli as the Bears' assistant head coach/defensive line might be more important than any personnel moves they make in the off-season.

Improving the pass rush is one of the Bears' priorities, but adding Marinelli is a great start, according to Smith.

"Of course that'll help whenever you can add a top-flight defensive lineman who's a pass rusher," Smith said. "But the first thing you do is what we did. We brought in the best defensive line coach in the game."

Smith worked with Marinelli for five years on Tony Dungy's Bucs staff in Tampa, where they were roommates on the road.

"I know what type of coach he is and what type of man he is," Smith said. "I know what he will bring to our football team. He's bringing a lot of excitement in the building. The players are excited about getting a chance to work with him."

Smith isn't the only one singing Marinelli's praises.

"The Bears are a much better football team right now, just because of Rod Marinelli," said Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, who was not rehired by the Bears after coordinating their Super Bowl XLI defense. "He will get guys to play better than they ever have."

General manager Jerry Angelo believes the Bears can be a better team simply through better coaching and improved attitude, and Smith considers the addition of Marinelli and secondary coach Jon Hoke part of that equation.

One of the Bears' most notable underachievers last season was former three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris. He and his linemates have the chance to flourish under Marinelli, Angelo said, if they want it enough.

"If a player wants to be great, there shouldn't really be anything outside of injuries to keep him from being great," Angelo said. "With a coach like Rod, if Tommie wants to be great, he can be great. Rod's got a great track record, but the mind-set starts with the player.

"The coach is the facilitator. The player has to have the passion to be great, and I believe Tommie has that passion. If they want to be great, they're in a real good situation with Rod Marinelli."