CHICAGO (AP) Unable to find outside help, the Chicago Bears have promoted Rod Marinelli to defensive coordinator while rounding out their coaching staff.

Coach Lovie Smith announced the move Friday and called Marinelli "among the best defensive coaches in the NFL."

"From the first day I became head coach of the Chicago Bears I envisioned Rod as our defensive coordinator," he said. "I considered him for the role last year, but wanted him to have the opportunity to work exclusively with our defensive line and become acclimated to our team." (MORE)