Lake Forest, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Bears named Mel Tucker as the team's new defensive coordinator on Friday.
Tucker served as defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2009-2012, and also served as an assistant head coach for the Jags last season. Tucker will replace Rod Marinelli, who has served as Chicago's defensive leader from 2009-2012.
This past season, Tucker guided a defensive unit that ranked 30th in the NFL in total yards allowed (6,088) and 28th in third-down efficiency (40.9 percent).
Prior to joining Jacksonville, Tucker served as defensive coordinator (2008) and defensive backs coach (2005-2007) for the Cleveland Browns and co- defensive coordinator (2004) and defensive backs coach (2001-2003) for Ohio State.
Tucker took over as Jacksonville's interim head coach at the end of the 2011 season following the dismissal of Jack Del Rio, guiding the team to a 2-3 finish.
