Bears talk to Tice as OC search continues

Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice was at Halas Hall for an interview Wednesday, possibly for the vacant offensive coordinator position, although he has never held that title before.

The Bears also are seeking coaching replacements at tight end and offensive line, two areas where Tice has extensive experience as a player and a coach. He currently is the assistant head coach/tight ends coach with Jacksonville, where he has been since 2006, and the Bears had to have permission from the Jaguars to interview him.

Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio has been told he will be back for the 2010 season, to the surprise of many, but some of his assistants may not be so fortunate.

Tice led the Vikings from 2002-05, compiling a 32-32 record, and before that he coached tight ends and offensive linemen for six years in Minnesota. He also had a 15-year playing career as a tight end in the NFL.

Tice interviewed on the same day that Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese was finishing up a two-day interview for the offensive coordinator position.

The Bears remain in a holding pattern in their search for a defensive coordinator.

Perry Fewell, who interviewed Monday at Halas Hall and is the favorite for the job, is awaiting a decision in Buffalo, where he interviewed for the Bills' head-coaching position after serving as the interim head coach for the final seven games of the 2009 season.