Marinelli joins staff of Chicago Bears

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Rod Marinelli, who was fired after his Detroit Lions became the first 0-16 team in NFL history, has joined the coaching staff of the Chicago Bears.

Marinelli agreed to terms Saturday to be the Bears defensive line coach-assistant coach, a report on the team's Web site said.

The 59-year-old Marinelli and Chicago head Coach Lovie Smith worked together for five seasons as defensive assistants for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Marinelli was fired by the Lions Dec. 29.

The following day, Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo said, "I think the world of Rod Marinelli. I would love to have Rod Marinelli on our staff, and I think Lovie would say the same thing. He's a great football coach."

Marinelli's overall record in three seasons as head coach in Detroit was 10-38.