When the Chicago Bears promoted Mike Tice to offensive coordinator, it was announced that he would call plays and handle the design of the run game while being paired with a passing game coordinator. On Sunday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Bears search is looking to be focusing on two ex-Denver Broncos assistants that have histories with Jay Cutler.

It will make Jay Cutler happy to know Chicago could hire Jedd Fisch or Jeremy Bates, two former Broncos assts, as Bears passing-game coach.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2012

Fisch is currently the offensive coordinator at the University of Miami, and while he has extensive history in the NFL, he did reportedly turn down the Seattle Seahawks' offer to become their offensive coordinator prior to the 2011 season. That reported offer to Fisch was to replace Bates, who was fired after one season with Seattle after he followed Pete Carroll there from USC. Bates was out of football in 2011.