Jan. 25--Mike Groh, who spent the last three seasons as the Bears wide receivers coach, left for the Rams on Monday.
In addition to being the Rams receivers coach, he'll be coach Jeff Fisher's passing game coordinator, a role that should help Groh's candidacy to become an NFL offensive coordinator.
The Bears considered Groh for their quarterbacks coach vacancy but on Friday hired Dave Ragone, who had previously worked under new offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains.
Groh, 44, was the Bears' longest-tenured assistant coach, having joined the team under Marc Trestman in 2013. In his first season, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery made the Pro Bowl. Jeffery, in particular, developed as a route runner and learned how to read defenses under Groh's tutelage.
Coach John Fox opted to retain Groh after taking over last season. His duties included game-planning for third-down situations. His guidance helped keep the offense functional in 2015 despite a rash of injuries at receiver.
Before joining the Bears, Groh coached receivers at Alabama. He was offensive coordinator at Virginia, where he was a two-year starter at quarterback in 1994-95.
Assistant strength and conditioning coach Jim Arthur also left the Bears on Monday. He followed coach Adam Gase to the Dolphins to fill the same role.
rcampbell@tribpub.com
