The turmoil surrounding the coaching staff and future of the Chicago Bears may have just gotten significantly worse.
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer apologized to players Monday for anonymously criticizing quarterback Jay Cutler to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
The report in question cited Bears sources that claimed they were having a case of “buyer’s remorse” for the contract extended to Cutler earlier this year. It also was critical of Cutler’s inability to check out of bad plays in the running game.
Per Biggs, Kromer addressed the team Monday and admitted to the players that he was the source behind the comments regarding Cutler’s game management. Kromer apologized for airing the problems with Cutler and the offense outside of the Bears facility. The admission apparently caused Cutler to shake his head while Kromer issued the apology. He denied saying anything about the franchise’s feeling of remorse for Cutler’s deal.
“I said what I had to say to the players,” Kromer said, via Biggs.
However noble the apology and feelings of regret Kromer may have for having his issues with Cutler’s play, it brings into question the ability of the two to work together in the future. Can Cutler trust his offensive coordinator to have his back any more? In addition, any further anonymously sourced stories critical of the team in the future will likely bring about players believing Kromer is the source yet again.
With the Bears sputtering at 5-8 and posting one of the more disappointing campaigns in the league this season, the future of both Kromer and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker has to be in question, as well as head coach Marc Trestman.
Kromer’s admission to ripping his quarterback likely won’t help matters any.