Report: Bears Could Fire Aaron Kromer 'For Cause'
(CBS) After admitting he was at least in part the anonymous source for an NFL Network report that was critical of quarterback Jay Cutler, Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer could conceivably be fired "for cause," according to a report from CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora.
"Clauses included in Bears coaching contracts regarding guidelines for dealing with the media could result in a case for Kromer's termination 'for cause,'" La Canfora wrote. Presumably, that potential scenario would save the Bears money when staff changes are expected to be made following this season.
Kromer admitted he expressed frustration about Cutler to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport after Chicago's loss to Dallas on Dec. 4. Several days later, Rapoport reported that the Bears had had "buyer's remorse" over giving Cutler a $126-million contract last January that included $54 million guaranteed. Kromer denied being the source of the "buyer's remorse" comment, but he gave a tearful apology to the offense last week for other critical remarks on Cutler.
The Kromer drama further illustrated the divide and lack of trust in the Bears organization, and most everyone believes he's punched his ticket out of town after this season. La Canfora's report shed light on that as well, saying Cutler is privately upset with Kromer. Cutler said in a press conference last Friday that he wasn't angry at Kromer.
La Canfora wrote that it's "hard to imagine" Cutler and Kromer could work together next season.
He also wrote about how dysfunctional the team has been under coach Marc Trestman, who has failed to discipline players who've acted out.
There has been little to no pushback from the head coach on general manager against slumping star players, sources said, Trestman's laid-back style to allowing players to govern their own locker room has blown up -- with the roster construction devoid of necessary chemistry -- and some mistrust brewing between players and the staff.
Earlier this season, sources said, receiver Brandon Marshall and assistant defensive backs coach Chris Harris got into a very heated altercation when Marshall was not in shells for a shells-only practice, that was allowed to fester without Trestman or Emery intervening. It spilled over to another portion of practice, and was only mentioned briefly at the next team meeting, without any word of penalties or discipline.
Players have far too wide a swath, sources said, and have been able to take advantage of the lack of discipline at times.
