Tucker close to becoming Bears' new defensive coordinator

The Bears are nearing a deal with defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Mel Tucker, the former defensive coordinator of the Jaguars, is still working out some details with Chicago. The Bears identified him as a top candidate once Rod Marinelli informed new coach Marc Trestman he wanted to pursue outside options.

Tucker has been seen as a head coaching candidate in the past, and served as an interim head coach in Jacksonville in 2011. The Jaguars gave him a new contract last year, which kept him from leaving, but in hiring a defensive-minded coach in Gus Bradley, Tucker was free to explore other opportunities.

Bradley is expected to look to Marinelli as a possible replacement for Tucker.