Flashback #6: Bears Fire Mike Ditka (1993)

As of 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary on January 3rd, the station has begun to reveal (in chronological order) the Top 100 Chicago Sports Stories that have occurred since they first went on the air 20 years ago. Once all 100 of these "flashbacks" have been revealed, fans will be able to vote for which stories they believe are the most significant in the 20 year history of The Score. To see all of the Flashbacks that The Score has posted so far, please visit 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary page.

January 6, 1993 - Bears fire Mike Ditka

Few coaches, if any, had the personality of former Bears head coach Mike Ditka.

During his time in Chicago -- both as a coach and a player -- Ditka's personality took on a life of it's own, and shortly after the 1992 season, the Bears decided they'd had enough. The firing came on the heels of a 5-11 season -- the Bears' worst since 1975.

"We're going to have to find some new ways to do some things, ways different than we've done them in the past,"  President Michael McCaskey said. "There's going to be a premium on fresh ideas and a new start. I've come to the difficult conclusion that it's best to start that process with a new head coach."

Ditka coached the Bears for 11 seasons, compiling a 106-62 regular-season record, with six division titles and a Super Bowl championship in 1985.

After his release, Ditka didn't say much, but he did offer this:

"Scripture tells you that all things shall pass. This, too, shall pass. Regrets, just a few, but too few to remember. Thirty-two years, and I have a lot of people to thank.

"I want to thank the players most because they make it happen. Thank you, fans of this city."

The Score will continue to release a new Flashback each weekday until they reach 100. Check back tomorrow for a new one, or check out all of the previous Flashbacks: 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary »