June 27
Jerry Angelo, the new man in charge of the Chicago Bears, cannot bring in a new coach at this time of the year. Make no mistake, however -- current Bears coach Dick Jauron is a lame duck and will need a fairly impressive season to save his job.

Two names to remember as early candidates to take over the Bears in 2002: LSU coach Nick Saban and Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

Saban and Kiffin were the two names linked to Angelo when he was a finalist for the general manager's job with the New York Jets. Terry Bradway got the Jets' job and hired Herman Edwards as coach.

Saban has steadfastly denied any interest in an NFL job and has walked away from at least two opportunities (the Colts and Giants) to become a pro head coach.