Friday, February 14, 2003
Updated: March 25, 3:43 PM ET
Brooks also hired to handle defensive line
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Criticized at times for the absence of a quarterbacks coach on the staff, the Chicago Bears on Friday reached a two-year agreement with Greg Olson to tutor what figures to be a dramatically revamped position in 2003.
The Bears also hired defensive line coach Larry Brooks, a 17-year coaching veteran, signing him to a two-year deal as well. Brooks replaces Rex Norris, whose contract was not renewed by the club.
The addition of Olson makes him just the third quarterbacks coach in team history. Chicago has not had a quarterbacks coach since current offensive coordinator John Shoop was promoted from that job in 2000. Head coach Dick Jauron and general manager Jerry Angelo had stressed earlier in the preseason their desire to add a quarterbacks mentor.
Chicago figures to add at least two new quarterbacks in the draft and/or free agency this spring.
During a 16-year coaching career, Olson has coached current NFL quarterbacks Jeff Garcia, Drew Brees and Jon Kitna. He most recently was on the Purdue staff in his second stint with the Boilermakers. He had been on the San Francisco 49ers staff in 2001, then moved back to Purdue, where is wife is the very successful track coach for both the men's and women's teams there.
Brooks was an NFL defensive tackle for 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams (1972-82) and was a five-time Pro Bowl performer.
He began his coaching career in 1983 and spent the last four seasons as the defensive line coach for the Seattle Seahawks.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
