Co-host "Mully and Haugh" on 670 The Score & Audacy app, Take The North podcast co-host, ex-Chicago Trib sports columnist, writer, yoga husband, hockey dad.
In January 2013, Bears interviewed Bruce Arians--that season's NFL Coach of the Year--to replace Lovie Smith. Arians wanted job. Embraced challenge. Then-GM Phil Emery hired Marc Trestman instead--a historically bad blunder.
Congrats to Bruce Arians, Super Bowl-winning coach.
For 17 years, it was an honor and privilege to represent the Chicago Tribune—the last 10 in my dream job as columnist. That relationship ends today. Thanks Dan McGrath, Bill Adee, Mike Kellams and Joe Knowles, among others, for trusting me. Thanks readers I tried to put first.
Classic. Stunning. Wow. Robbie Gould just gave
#Bears
fans their biggest playoff thrill in more than a decade, eliminating Packers at Lambeau with clutch, walk-off historic 45-yard FG in 13-10 win for 49ers. What a memory for Gould. What an upset. And what now for Aaron Rodgers?
There's nothing ambitious or inspiring about
#Bears
bringing back Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy, nothing that says they're getting closer to Super Bowl or even know the way. It suggests they accept mediocrity, feel immune to external pressure and value money over progress. So Bears.
Matt Nagy going for it on fourth-and-15 rather than try a FG to cut lead to 10 with 10 minutes left in game is basically Nagy telling you he thinks the Bears defense stinks too.
Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy, quoted in NBC's Sunday Night Football halftime press release, regarding Matt Nagy's decision to take a knee: "Matt Nagy, have some confidence in your run game. You might not score, but you’ll get closer. Don’t rely on your field goal kicker.”
Seeing Yu Darvish—the leading contender for NL Cy Young Award winner at halfway point—pitching for the Cubs on night Mitch Trubisky named Bears starter is a good reminder for Chicago how once-maligned athletes always can change narrative in this town. Failure can precede success.
Immediate reaction via social media to Justin Fields trade makes me wonder if Chicago really is ready for possibility that's becoming more conceivable every day this offseason that
#Bears
actually might be on verge of something very, very good. Understand what's happening, folks.
Anthony Rizzo leaving will sting Cubs fans, but it was right move, and good for Jed Hoyer to use Red Sox to up price for Yankees. Hoyer pried two prospects for 30something 1B with bad back. All good things must end; Rizzo's legacy safe as guy who caught ball to end the suffering.
Best 19 minutes Chicago's ever seen from Brian Urlacher, his finest moment the one that will define his legacy. What a terrific, heartfelt, humanizing speech. Outstanding night for Bears fans and the organization. Bravo.
#Cubs
eliminated after September collapse.
#WhiteSox
lose 100th game after starting season with realistic AL Central goals.
#Bears
start 0-3 and uncompetitive, possibly worst team in NFL …
This has to go down as one of most disappointing months in Chicago sports history, right?
Sure, because what rookie QB would want to join an organization with a Top 10 defense, a Top 5 WR duo in the NFL's third-largest market in a city passionate about their team?
Bad read, RGIII. And that's being kind.
#Bears
#Bears
grasp the obvious, drafting WR Rome Odunze at No. 9, giving Caleb Williams a weapon and adding guy that was also best player available. What a night for Ryan Poles, for the Bears offense, for Bears fans, and for a city about to see a real NFL passing offense. Great pick.
Kris Bryant proved again today why he’s consummate pro, a likable player with perspective who gets it. Bryant represents everything Theo promised when he came: a prospect drafted, developed and should keep to sustain success. Chicago would miss and
#Cubs
would regret trading KB.
That postgame scrum around Tracy Wolfson not only bad TV but dangerous. That was too immediate to go for postgame reax. Let players/coaches celebrate longer. Respect that. Let analysts analyze. Let it breathe--it's the Super Bowl--then have corner of field cordoned for interview.
Make it stop, Jed Hoyer. If
#Cubs
owe Jake Arrieta anything, it’s the truth. And, truth is, it’s painfully obvious to everyone that tonight should be Jake’s last start. No need for a 6-man rotation. Give his turn in rotation to someone else who can benefit from the experience.
Bears lost fourth in a row but at least Chicago has the Bulls and...(checks score)...Never mind.
At least there's the Blackhawks and...
Or maybe the Cubs will trade for...
And the White Sox might sign Ger...uh, er...
Well,
@IlliniFootball
is one win from bowl eligibility.
Take a bow,
#TheLastDance
choreographers. Ending as epic as entire series. We can nitpick on sequencing and embellishing, omissions or exaggerations but can all agree it was 10 hours of riveting TV. Like Bulls of ‘90s, doc brought people together and met high expectations. Bravo.
"Kris Bryant belongs in Chicago, represents the Cubs in exemplary fashion...More than any other Cub, Bryant embodies everything Theo promised when he took over: A player the Cubs drafted, developed and doused with champagne after winning a title."
Column
Traumatic day for
#Cubs
fans, first Anthony Rizzo and now Javy Baez, El Mago...if Kris Bryant goes before 3 p.m. deadline, it'll be one of toughest 24-hour stretches in team history from a fan perspective. Wonder if ownership gets involved before KB is dealt.
This was the time to trade Khalil Mack for the
#Bears
and new GM Ryan Poles, who makes his first bold move. Mack is 31, the best player on a bad roster, whose value never will be higher than now. So Poles sold high, with eye on future and likely plans to rebuild around offense.
Oh my gosh. The Cubs take Ed Howard, the local shortstop from Mount Carmel linked to the White Sox. I love this pick. I love a hometown kid staying in Chicago. This is good for the organization and GREAT for the city. An African-American prospect with special skills, character.
Fastest two hours in weeks.
#TheLastDance
did phenomenal job presenting big-picture themes, drama that dominated dynasty yet paying attention to little details. Larger-than-life MJ and Pippen humanized by family stories. A sports doc about so much more; Eps 1-2 lived up to hype.
Major move with definite impact. Only cost is $$, not players. Strengthens weakest position, solidifies Cubs as World Series contender. This is ownership stepping up.
The
#Blackhawks
lost tonight before they even dropped the puck. Terrible night for the franchise and Rocky Wirtz; call a Town Hall in the interest of transparency and come across as tone-deaf as ever. Defensiveness isn't smart way to show fan base Hawks have hit reset.
Merry Christmas to everyone who passionately follows Chicago sports, making this a fascinating place to do what I do. Whether you love-or hate-the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls or Hawks, your constant interest is the gift that keeps on giving. So thank you today and every day.🎄
In talking to some trusted baseball sources this afternoon about the
#Cubs
hiring Craig Counsell, it goes without saying how badly they wanted Counsell —enough to fire a World Series hero. But what shouldn’t be ignored is how much Counsell wanted to manage the Cubs. Big factor.
You can chant whatever you want about Matt Nagy and the coaching but Bears lost momentum in this game when their fifth or sixth CB missed an open-field tackle on a swing pass, and that season-long problem at the same position is on the GM. Period.
That’s why Super Bowl teams need a reliable kicker. That’s why the Bears must move on from a guy who missed 11 kicks — not because of the “Today Show”.
It’ll never happen but
#WhiteSox
fans deserve to hear Jerry Reinsdorf explain or defend why he believes Tony LaRussa is the manager capable of leading this team to the World Series that remains the goal. It’s that bad, yes. It’s that indefensible given the way this devolved.
Bad teams find ways to lose, and the Bears just did that. Bad execution on Trubisky losing fumble. Bad decision-making on A-Rob tiptoeing out of bounds yard shy of marker. Bad, bad, bad. Offensive implosion, organizational disaster. Bears fall to 5-7 as losing streak hits 6.
You'll remember where you were when you watched this.
Loyola is going to the Final Four.
Yes, Loyola is going to the Final Four. The Ramblers rout Kansas State 78-62 for one of the most impressive, unlikely Chicago sports achievements in decades.
When Mitch Trubisky drops back to throw, there's an instinctive fear that something bad could happen. Even he looks uncertain. He looks tentative and borderline shaky. Nothing about his body language or execution inspires confidence. And that's got to change quickly for Bears.
Applaud Brian Griese and Louis Riddick for questioning plays called for Jimmy Graham in red zone — saying what everybody in Chicago is thinking. Why?
#Bears
#Blackhawks
shed Duncan Keith's $5.5M salary in trade to Oilers for Caleb Jones and 3rd-rounder, a deal a franchise in transition can justify. Keith turns 38 Friday, debuted in '05 and wanted to be closer to son. Exits as one of best Hawks ever, as valuable as any during dynasty.
A generation of Bears fans mourn loss of a legend who was most exciting player on many bad teams. Another generation knows No. 40 only from old highlights. Everyone can agree Gale Sayers was epitome of grace, on and off field, one of best Bears ever, who'll be missed. RIP, Gale.
Counsell had options. So he must feel confident about Cubs making commitment to spend. This is how big-market teams behave. It’s cutthroat but consequences of David Ross’s team blowing playoff berth in September. And Ricketts was clear season wasn’t success. Action supports that.
Kyle Davidson said on
@NBCSChicago
this didn't necessarily change his approach to free-agency -- and Patrick Kane said last week he doubted Hawks would want him in a rebuild -- but I'd reassess that if I'm
#Blackhawks
. Kaner & Bedard...Rebuild around old and young stars. Why not?
The Bears have seven points. Their execution on third downs in second half was as bad as the play-calling. There were three minutes left in a 10-point game. THEN, he switched quarterbacks? Who lost Chicago's confidence more tonight, Pineiro, Trubisky or Nagy?
All of the above.
I thought
#Bulls
beating Jazz was most impressive victory of young season. Then tonight happened, and they wiped out a 19-point third-quarter deficit on the road against a playoff team vs. Celts. It's early but it's obvious: These Bulls are deep and dangerous. Big step for Ayo.
Over the next five years, if he stays healthy, Connor Bedard has chance of becoming the biggest sports superstar in Chicago--it's either Bedard or Justin Fields--and the
#Blackhawks
have a legit shot at becoming a Stanley Cup contender again. That's the significance of tonight.
Eddie Jackson was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft, the 112th overall. And 11 games into his second season, it's hard to come up with a player who's been a better draft pick by Ryan Pace.
#Cubs
officially fun again. Hottest team in baseball. A 6-game Schwinning streak. I know it means nothing but at least their irrelevance is entertaining.
The Rams came in averaging 35 points per game. They have 6. The Bears did a lot right in soundly beating the team with the NFL's best record but nothing better than stopping the run and putting game in Goff's hands. Impressive. Memorable. Meaningful. Wow.
Is
@FOXSports
sure it wants to replace Greg Olsen in the booth when/if Tom Brady ever retires?
Olsen only continues to get better, his performance today the latest example of a relatable analyst helping audience enjoy and understand the game more. Well done.
#NFCChampionship
George McCaskey's done talking and we were reminded why he only does so once a year. It's always so bizarre sifting through his rhetoric for real info. But hard for me to get past this: Matt Nagy had lost so much confidence in himself he asked George for direction on QB decision.
What an amazing journey Jose Abreu has taken, defecting from Cuba on a boat to winning the AL MVP in Chicago. It couldn’t happen to a classier, more deserving athlete. Congrats to Abreu, who led the
#WhiteSox
in many categories this year — but most of all in character.
#MVPito
Rizzo with the clutch ninth-inning HR off Jansen everyone will remember. But tonight’s Cubs win most significant because Darvish looked dominant for seven. Saying Cubs needed this one a huge understatement.
Really want an explanation why
#Bears
passed up chance to kick long FG with four seconds left for desperation heave into end zone. Cairo Santos has been one of most dependable players, it's a defensive game when 3 points should matter, and it's higher percentage than Hail Mary.
Impressive
@IlliniMBB
victory over Ohio State caps huge week, cements status as likely No. 1 seed in NCAA tournament. Who was that masked man? Ayo Dosunmu, All-American who came up clutch again in final minute playing through facial injury. Illini look ready for deep NCAA run.
So the Cubs let Jon Lester, arguably the best free-agent signing in team history, move on to the Nationals. Jed Hoyer’s first three major decisions as prez— Schwarber, Darvish and Lester —reveal a team committed to rebuilding regardless of what they call it. Buckle up, Cubs fans.
Stunning, significant moment for the
#Blackhawks
organization. They tanked the 2022-23 season with this in mind, the chance to win the NHL draft lottery and make the No. 1 pick, presumably future superstar Connor Bedard. Hockey relevance threatens to return to Chicago.
Can't make this stuff up.
Fourth-and-goal from the 1. Bears pass. Sack. After already getting sacked earlier on fourth-and-1.
It's like Matt Nagy is making sure everybody knows the whys of his imminent firing.
#Bears
Going for it on fourth-and-10 rather than attempt a 51-yard FG with a kicker said to have a big leg in a 7-3 game? With an offense that clearly is out of sync and struggling? That's one explanation I look forward to hearing from Matt Nagy. Or, another one.
Come on. Jay Cutler is understandably a hard guy for many to defend but you don’t start 153 NFL games at sport’s toughest position over 12 seasons — and earn $122M —by being lazy and unmotivated. Many ways to describe Cutler but labeling him lazy and unmotivated seems unfair.
So do you applaud the
#Bears
for finding rookie CB Thomas Graham Jr. in the sixth round or question them for waiting until the 14th game to get a good look at a problem position? It's early but Graham has had a solid half.
What a victory by
#Blackhawks
, who win their first postseason series since ‘15. Forget all talk that they didn’t belong; they beat West’s No. 5 seed in four games. Different team than we saw in regular season. Corey Crawford key to the series. Toews, Kubalik, etc. Wow. What fun.
Jaylon Johnson was expected to go higher. The Bears came into this draft hoping -- and needing -- to get two Day 1 starters from two second-round picks and in Kmet and Johnson, they've put themselves in that position. Ryan Pace can sleep well tonight.
Great stuff from Kris Bryant, mic'd up in left field, talking about the value of versatility, playing along with interviewers, and giving FOX expansive answers to questions he's heard before.
#Cubs
couldn't ask for better representative on bigger stage.
#AllStarGame
My Golden Retriever, Clyde, woke me this morning by licking my face. My 21-year-old son was already up, working out. Times change, holidays evolve, but always grateful for family and friends at Christmas. Thanks to all Chicago sports fans too; a privilege to work in this city.🎄
Stunning, seismic and a terrific move. I love it. Craig Counsell is one of best managers in baseball. This announces
#Cubs
as World Series contenders. This is bold but path Cubs have chosen before by firing Rick Renteria and hiring Joe Maddon. I like Rossy but this is an upgrade.
Lou is falling into a category with Mike Ditka of once-compelling, highly quotable coaches of stature who need to stop talking before it harms their legacy any more.
Lou Holtz tells Fox News that college football needs to play amid coronavirus pandemic this fall: "Let's move on with our life! When they stormed Normandy, they knew there were going to be casualties -- there were going to be risks."
Jed Hoyer closed the deal. Tom Ricketts made money available and Hoyer signed one of top four SS in market. Did he overpay? Maybe. Probably. Doesn’t matter. Cubs had to get their guy, and Dansby Swanson’s a winner whose glove makes defense
#Cubs
strength. Big move—and right one.
Said one NFL exec who’s worked with Ryan Poles: “High intelligence, emotionally and with intellect. He is young and will have to grow on the job but I believe in him. Not an easy first job handling that market but he will be fine. He has leadership and is his own man.”
#Bears
#Michigan
dominates Washington. So convincing. Now NFL waits to see if Jim Harbaugh will return. You saw why tonight; Harbaugh had UM ready in every way. He’s done all he can at his alma mater. Now what? If you’re the Bears, finding out qualifies as due diligence. Make the call.
#TheLastDance
Eps 3-4 deliver. Fascinating insight into Rodman’s psyche, Phil’s upbringing, Collins’ role. Bad look for Detroit, esp Isiah’s revisionist history. Horace’s “straight up bitches’’ quote of night. Laimbeer as unlikable as ever. But enduring image: MJ hugging trophy.
#Bears
allowing Khalil Mack and Roquan Smith to continue to shirk media responsibilities—thus thumbing nose to fans—reflects poorly on whole organization. Revealing too. Maybe Jay Cutler—in town who always faced music—could speak to muted Bears on accountability, professionalism.
Hey, look, an exceptional rookie QB with an opportunistic defense and a defensive-minded head coach who lets an innovative play-caller run the offense is winning a playoff game.
#Texans
#NFLSuperWildCardWeekend
Life can be cruel. This is crushing.
J.D. was the absolute best, as positive as they came, universally respected in the business and loved by all his friends. RIP, buddy.
Absolutely heartbreaking news to hear of the passing of ESPN reporter Jeff Dickerson. You will see/hear a lot of great things written/said about him and they are true. His wife, Caitlin, passed away in 2019. Heartbroken for their 11-year-old son, Parker, losing both parents.
It's almost inconceivable to think that the Bears team embarrassed tonight in its final home game at Soldier Field is the same group who opened the season on the same field, in front of the same NBC cameras, considered legit Super Bowl contenders.
A 65-yard interception return for a touchdown by Vikings CB Patrick Peterson, on third straight fourth-and-1 Bears called a pass, provides the fitting end to the absurdity that was the Matt Nagy play-calling experience, 2018-2022. What a ridiculous lack of common sense.
#Bears
Not sure pro athlete could’ve handled himself under circumstances as well as Andrew Luck did at emotional press conference. Honest. Articulate. Introspective. Luck’s a bright, exceptional young man who happens to be NFL QB. His life, his terms. I don’t get the criticism of him.
Darryl Drake was one of Lovie Smith’s most valued assistants for the Bears from 2004-12, and certainly the most entertaining. Funny and honest, Drake held everyone from WRs to columnists accountable. Steelers announced today Drake passed away at 62. A good guy gone too soon. RIP.
Best available head coach goes to the Chargers. He’s gonna keep winning.
Always going to wonder if he was willing to leave Michigan for the NFL, why didn’t the
#Bears
make more of an effort?
Breaking: Jim Harbaugh is leaving Michigan to accept the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Chargers, sources tell ESPN.
The Chargers get their man while the national champions now have a head-coach opening.
#Bears
struggle badly with crisis management. This is a crisis, already mismanaged. Their biggest rival isn’t Packers; it’s transparency. Be simple, clear and strong. Address whether credible report is true or false. Make an exception to your rule. Issue statement, at minimum.
In a season full of illogical and inexplicable decisions by the
#Bears
head coach, this is the latest. Foles led the team to its first victory in a month yet gets demoted? For Dalton? If Justin Fields were healthy, of course he should start. But starting Dalton over Foles? Silly.