Rod Marinelli

Rodney Marinelli (born July 13, 1949) is the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach of the Chicago Bears. He is the former head coach of the Detroit Lions. He was fired from his position as head coach on December 29, 2008, one day after coaching the Lions to the worst single-season record in NFL history, 0–16.

Early coaching career
Marinelli's coaching career began in 1973 as an assistant at Rosemead High School in suburban Los Angeles from 1973 to 1975. He earned his first collegiate job in 1976, serving as an assistant at Utah State University until 1982. He then moved on to the University of California for nine seasons, serving as the defensive line coach and later the assistant head coach. He was then on staff with Arizona State University for three seasons, again holding a dual role as defensive line and assistant head coach, between 1992 and 1994. Marinelli spent his final year in college football at University of Southern California in 1995.

Professional coaching
Marinelli went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1996 and was the defensive line coach for 6 seasons under head coach Tony Dungy. The latter four seasons he also served as assistant head coach. He was known for his structured approach and his commitment for trying to get the most out of his players. There he worked to develop lineman such as Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice into Pro Bowl caliber players. During Marinelli's tenure in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers earned more sacks than any other franchise.

Detroit Lions
On January 18, 2006, Marinelli was named the head coach of the Detroit Lions, replacing Dick Jauron. Marinelli was the fourth coach hired by Lions CEO Matt Millen, preceded by Marty Mornhinweg, Steve Mariucci and Dick Jauron.

The Marinelli era began poorly, as the Lions lost the first five games of the 2006 season before beating the Buffalo Bills 20–17. The Lions lost seven games in a row between weeks 10 and 16 before ending the year on a high note by beating the Dallas Cowboys 39–31.

The 2007 season started off well for the Lions as they roared to a 6–2 start, with credit being given to Marinelli's "Pound the Rock" approach. At one point, receiver Mike Furrey boasted, "The Lions are 4–2, media! You can kiss my ass!"

Despite winning the next two games after Furrey's comments, the Lions lost seven out of their last eight games, and finished the 2007 season with a 7–9 record, good enough for 3rd in the NFC North.

Despite a perfect 4–0 preseason, Marinelli coached the 2008 Lions to an 0–16 season, the first team in NFL history to lose every game of a season since a 16-game regular season was instituted in 1978 (the last winless regular season NFL team being the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a 14-game campaign). Many fans and sportswriters questioned Marinelli's "mind over matter" approach and ability to correctly judge and assemble talent.

On December 26, 2008, Marinelli was fired, in addition to the majority of his coaching staff. His record during the 3 seasons with the Lions was a very dismal 10–38, one of the worst in NFL history for a head coach with at least three years experience.

Chicago Bears
On January 5, 2009 Marinelli agreed to join the Bears as assistant head coach and defensive line coach, reuniting him with Lovie Smith, whom he worked with under Tony Dungy in Tampa Bay from 1996–2000. Marinelli also interviewed with the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks before joining the Bears. Marinelli was promoted from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator of the Bears on February 5, 2010.

Personal
Rod and his wife, Barbara, have two daughters, Chris and Gina. Chris is married to Joe Barry, the former Lions defensive coordinator. On December 21, 2008, during a post game press conference of a game against the Saints in which the Lions gave up touchdowns on the Saints first six offensive possessions, Detroit News reporter Rob Parker asked Marinelli whether he wishes his daughter married a better defensive coordinator. Marinelli initially had no comment, but later said that he thought the question was inappropriate. Marinelli also has two granddaughters and two grandsons. Marinelli is a veteran of the Vietnam War.