Bears interview Chudzinski

The Bears interviewed San Diego Chargers assistant coach Rob Chudzinski today as part of the team's search for a new offensive coordinator.

Chudzinski, 41, was the Chargers' assistant head coach and tight ends coach this season after spending the previous two years as the offensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns. The Chargers were No. 10 in total offense and No. 5 in passing yards in 2009, and the Bears might view his work with quarterback Philip Rivers as a sign that he will click with Jay Cutler.

In Cleveland, quarterback Derek Anderson enjoyed a Pro Bowl season in 2007 under Chudzinski's guidance. The Browns replaced Chudzinski after the 2008 season, when Romeo Crennel also was fired and replaced by former Jets head coach Eric Mangini.

Chudzinski is the second candidate to be interviewed by the Bears for the team's offensive coordinator job. The Bears interviewed Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese on Jan. 13.

So far, the Bears' offensive coaching staff includes offensive line coach Mike Tice, running backs coach Tim Spencer and wide receivers coach Darryl Drake.

The team tried to deflect criticism about its hiring process Thursday with the following statement on its Web site: "Committed to hiring the best possible offensive coordinator, the Bears aren't rushing through the process. Instead, they're researching coaches and interviewing candidates as they become available."

-Tom Musick