Its unlikely that coach Lovie Smith had a list longer than one nameMike Ticewhen he considered replacements for Mike Martz as his offensive coordinator. But now that Tice has emerged as a candidate in Oakland, the need for a contingency plan is upon the Bears.
At this point the upheavals elsewhere could work to the Bears advantage, although advantage is a relative term.
If Tice leaves there would be options (there always are; this is, after all, the NFL):
Jim Caldwell -- fired in Indianapolis. QB coach at Tampa Bay in 2001 under Tony Dungy, then succeeded him as head coach.
Clyde Christensen -- offensive coordinator in Indianapolis prior to the dismissal of Caldwell. On the Tampa Bay staff 1996-2001 while Lovie Smith was linebackers coach.
Darryl Drake -- Bears receivers coach, NFL receiver with Washington and Cincinnati, was O.C. at Baylor, passing-game coordinator at Western Kentucky; has good relationship with Jay Cutler and worked under Terry Shea, Ron Turner and Martz.
Greg Olson -- offensive coordinator with Tampa Bay the past three seasons, interviewed for Bears passing-coordinator job this month. Bears QB coach under Dick Jauron in 2003.