[CBFF] Bears linebackers coach resigns -- chicagotribune.com - Sent Using Google Toolbar

[ShannonToBeRead]

Bears linebackers coach resigns -- chicagotribune.com




www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-080108bearshardynickersonresigns,1,3840646.story
chicagotribune.com
Bears linebackers coach resigns

By Vaughn McClure

Tribune staff reporter

10:33 PM CST, January 8, 2008



Two weeks before Christmas, Hardy Nickerson's 70-year-old mother,
battling lupus, had a mild heart attack. Before that, his 76-year-old
mother-in-law was diagnosed with a failing liver.

 Through it all, Nickerson kept coaching and kept quiet. But the
42-year-old Bears linebackers coach knew he had a crucial decision to
make.

 "I have some family issues that I definitely have to deal with,"
Nickerson said. "With three teens and my wife doing all she can, I'm
needed around the house."

 The only solution for Nickerson was to resign from his first-ever
coaching position. He leaves after one season and the Bears must find
their fifth linebackers coach in eight years. He will spend the
majority of his time in North Carolina with his wife, children and
mother-in-law. He also will go frequently to Los Angeles to be close
to his mother.

 Coaching is an afterthought for now.

 "Football is definitely my passion," Nickerson said. "I enjoy the
challenge of getting the guys prepared every week. Later on down the
line—maybe five years or so—I'm going to consider getting back into
the game."

 Bears coach Lovie Smith said during his season-ending news conference
that he wanted the coaching staff to remain intact. Losing Nickerson
wasn't planned.

 Nickerson came to the Bears from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers broadcast
booth. He stepped into the role as linebackers coach after Ron Rivera
moved on and Bob Babich was named defensive coordinator.

 "I'm forever grateful for the opportunity Lovie gave me," said
Nickerson, who played for Smith on the Buccaneers. "I just tried to do
the best job I could to make these players better. And it really
showed at the end of the season. That was gratifying for me, as a
coach."

 Nickerson played 16 NFL seasons, was named to four Pro Bowls with the
Buccaneers and was named to the 1990s all-decade team.

 "He is the epitome of a linebacker, a Hall of Famer," Bears
linebacker Lance Briggs said. "We had respect for him before he came
through the door. [And] I respect a man who wants to devote more time
to his family."

 vxmcclure at tribune.com

Copyright (c) 2008, Chicago Tribune