The Raiders' search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Hue Jackson continues and this time takes Reggie McKenzie to the Windy City. The Raiders have asked the Bears' permission to interview their recently minted offensive coordinator Mike Tice for their head coaching vacancy.
Technically, the request is simply a formality, as the Bears are required by NFL rules to grant permission to teams wishing to interview assistants for head coaching positions. Teams may reject requests in the case it's a lateral move (one assistant job to another), but it looks like Tice will get his second look for a chance at another NFL head coaching job, this time in Oakland.
According the this Chicago Tribune story by Brad Biggs that broke the news:
Tice served as the head coach of the Vikings from the end of the 2001 season to 2005, compiling a 33-34 record including the postseason. He's worked his way back up the ranks since and now is proving to be a hot commodity. The Titans wanted to interview Tice to be their offensive coordinator last year, a move the Bears blocked. Now, the 52-year-old has his first crack at a head job since his Vikings experience.
Biggs continues:
It does not appear that Tice has any direct connections to new Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, although they did play against each other twice annually in the '80s when Tice was a tight end for the Seahawks and McKenzie a linebacker for the Raiders.
....Tice has been credited for his work with the Bears' offensive line despite a makeshift collection of players. The Bears rushed for 2,015 yards this season, the franchise's best performance since 1991. Bears coach Lovie Smith took only three days to promote Tice after parting ways with former offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
To discuss the possibility of Tice going to the Raiders, check out Silver and Black Pride. To see what they think out in Chicago about all this, head to Windy City Gridiron.