Jan. 14--The Bears pressed forward with head coach interviews Tuesday, meeting with former Bills coach Doug Marrone and Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.
Marrone and Bears general manager Ryan Pace were together with the Saints from 2006-08, when Marrone was the offensive coordinator and Pace was a pro scout and later the director of pro personnel.
Marrone, 50, opted out of his contract with the Bills on Dec. 31 after compiling a 15-17 record over two seasons. He exercised an exit clause that was available to him because the Bills changed ownership. As part of his acrimonious departure, he collected his $4 million salary for the 2015 season.
Several Bills players were chafed by how Marrone left--he informed them by text message after the information proliferated on social media. On Tuesday, running back Fred Jackson said on Sirius XM radio that Marrone painted himself as a bad guy.
During Marrone's two seasons, the Bills' offense was among the NFL's worst in yards per play, ranking 29th and 28th, respectively.
In Marrone's first year, the Bills drafted quarterback E.J. Manuel 16th overall. But Marrone benched Manuel in September in favor of veteran Kyle Orton, whom they signed off the street in late August.
Austin, 49, oversaw a Lions defense that ranked second in the NFL this season in total points and yards allowed. He has also interviewed with the 49ers and Falcons.
