The whirlwind day was just beginning, as their veteran offensive boss then decided to part ways with the organization.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Mike Martz resigned as the Bears offensive coordinator, citing “philosophical differences” as the reason for his departure from the Windy City.

While abrupt, Martz’s decision was hardly a surprising one. He’s expected to be a highly sought-after commodity in both the NFL and NCAA, and a report last month indicated that he won’t be back with the Bears.

The writing was on the wall Monday when Smith gave Martz, whose contract was set to expire, a lukewarm vote of confidence, refusing to commit to him for the 2012 season.

Even Martz’s two seasons in Chicago seemed tumultuous, with a publicly known rift occurring between he and quarterback Jay Cutler. The playcalling was criticized and had to be tailored multiple times over to better suit the offense.

It was a match that was far from heaven-sent, though it looked to have been improving before Cutler and running back Matt Forte were lost to injuries this season, sapping the Bears’ playoff hopes.

With Martz gone, Smith will have the task of hiring a new coordinator, something he should be used to by now. This will be the fourth OC in his nine-year tenure.

Mike Tice, currently the team’s offensive line coach, has already been mentioned as a candidate to succeed Martz. Tice, who’s best known for the Love Boat scandal in Minnesota, shares the same offensive philosophy and the continuity would save Cutler from having to learn yet another system.

This won’t be the last we hear of Martz, who sports an impressive track record. He’ll turn up somewhere in a similar capacity, but in the meantime, he’s out of a situation he probably wasn’t too thrilled to be a part of.

Now, it appears he may be willing to make a return to his old stomping grounds — the NFC North — for a third tour of duty within the Black and Blue division.

Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com spoke to a source close to Favre that said the future Hall of Famer “would listen” if the Bears approached him about playing for the 7-5 squad.

Wright cautions that the Bears have not contacted Favre yet, and it’s “highly doubtful” they’d be interested in the 42-year-old, who could be more inclined to just stay retired.

However, the source added that Favre “has been working out and staying in shape,” which suggests that a return to football isn’t totally out of the realm of possibility.

Despite losing Jay Cutler likely for the season and suffering through two straight losses — primarily due to the play of backup-turned-starter Caleb Hanie — coach Lovie Smith rejected the idea of adding another signal-caller.

“That’s our group,” Smith said of the three quarterbacks on the Bears’ roster. “We’re going to make improvements with our group. We’re not looking on the outside. We won’t have a quarterback tryout or anything like that.”

It’s understandable that Smith would want to stick by his guy, but he has to come to grips with the realization that Hanie is not going to carry the team to the postseason. Not at the rate he’s going — six interceptions, six sacks, and a fumble in only two starts.

Chicago recently pursued veteran QB Kyle Orton when he was waived by the Broncos, so it’s evident they’re not completely comfortable at the position — nor should they be.

Though it’s an entirely moot point if Favre would rather hunt and fish rather than suit up, the Bears would be wise to at least kick the tires on the greybeard before dismal quarterbacking dismantles a once-promising 2011 campaign.

Appearing on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, Adam Schefter reported that Martz, the Bears’ offensive coordinator, is not expected to return in 2012.

Martz’s contract is set to expire after the season, and the 18-year coach could have several avenues to explore.

Obviously, he’ll be a highly coveted commodity among the NFL coaching ranks, but has also been linked to college openings at UCLA and Arizona State.

Martz has stayed mum, refusing to comment on the rumors, but has to be tempted to at least consider his other options. He’s taken a lot of flack — some deserving — when Chicago struggled offensively, and may be apt to pursue a job with a longer leash.

No matter where, barring a very improbable Super Bowl run, Cutler will be left to learn another system as Martz moves on to greener pastures.

Per the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bears signed receiver Earl Bennett to a four-year, $18 million contract extension. The deal, which runs through 2015, also includes $9 million in guarantees.

Bennett, who was scheduled to become a free agent after the season, is an unheralded player, but a key part of the offense nonetheless.

Although he only has 18 catches on the year, the team reportedly admires his toughness and appreciates the chemistry he and quarterback Jay Cutler share from their days at Vanderbilt together.

According to Bennett, the feeling is very much mutual.

“I’s home, man,” Bennett said of Chicago. “The organization has been loyal to me, and I want to be loyal to them. They had the first shot at it.”

Chicago is still likely to add another wideout in the offseason, especially if Mike Martz remains as the team’s offensive coordinator, but they could do a lot worse than having the 24-year-old Bennett as the primary slot man for the conceivable future.

Much of their recent success can be attributed to the play of quarterback Jay Cutler, who turned in another good performance Sunday.

Unfortunately, Chicago’s gunslinger didn’t come out of the game unscathed, likely hampering their ability to extend said streak.

As first reported by FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer, Cutler injured his right thumb during the team’s 31-20 win over San Diego, finishing out the contest with the injury.

The Bears feared that he might’ve fractured the appendage. It turns out they have a legit reason to worry now.

A source tells Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune that Cutler indeed suffered a broken thumb on his throwing hand, and the Bears are “preparing to move forward” without him “for a while.”

ESPNChicago also weighed in on the matter, saying Cutler will undergo surgery and is expected to be lost for “at least” the rest of the regular season.

It’s unclear when the injury occurred, but it never seemed to adversely affect Cutler, who completed 18-of-31 passes for 286 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Then again, the offense went into run-heavy mode in the fourth quarter, with running back Matt Forte receiving a majority of the work.

If the initial reports are accurate, this is obviously a major blow to Chicago’s playoff push. More should be known on Monday in regards to Cutler’s status, though Caleb Hanie will now be thrust into starting duties. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz has his work cut out for him.

Now Chicago has revealed their Plan B for the 25-year-old.

Per ESPNChicago.com, the Bears are set to place the franchise tag on Forte “barring a contract breakthrough” between now and the end of the year.

Under that scenario, Forte would be paid $7.71 million in 2012, the average of the top 5 salaries at his position, down from $9.45 million. It wouldn’t sit well with the man who’s just 328 yards away from the 1k mark — and wants to remain in the Windy City.

“That’s not something I’m looking forward to,” Forte said Friday on “Rome is Burning” on ESPN. “I don’t want a one-year deal. I want a long-term extension. I think if they use the franchise tag that’s kind of a cheap way to go out. That’s not what I’m looking forward to. I want a long-term extension. I’ve been drafted by Chicago. I want to stay there so it’s not something I’m looking forward to.”

Though his resume definitely warrants more than the $600,000 he’s making, Forte already rejected a contract proposal from Chicago, one that included up to $14 million in guarantees. He and his camp must have felt it still wasn’t enough, especially compared to the huge deals Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson received at the time.

Several days after turning down the offer, general manager Jerry Angelo and Forte’s reps mutually decided to shut down negotiations until season’s end, likely to let things play out for themselves.

When you consider he leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 1,091, many other front offices would’ve locked up Forte long-term by now, but Angelo and the Bears’ brass are taking a hard stance. It’s possible they feel he’s just not worth Johnson/Peterson money, though that’s debatable considering Johnson’s anemic play of late.

I can’t see the Bears entertain the possibility of letting Forte get away. He’s been a monster part of the offense over the last three years, logging an incredible 4,731 total yards. It may drag out until December or January, but there’s no reason to believe both sides won’t come to some sort of agreement. If the Bears have to overpay a little, so be it. There’s no better bang for their buck.

Per ESPNChicago.com, the Bears released Harris, one week after the veteran strong safety asked to be traded.

Upon learning of the news, Harris tweeted that he appreciated his time in the Windy City, but is excited for what the future holds with another organization.

“I was just released this morning by the Bears. Thank u for the opp to play football n do what I luv. I’m looking toward my next venture,” Harris tweeted.

Although he was a second-team All-Pro in 2010, Harris’ play took a turn for the worst this season as he was constantly beaten badly in coverage; the low point coming in Week 5 against the Lions and receiver Calvin Johnson, who burned him deep for a 73-yard score.

The Bears then chose to bench Harris, who subsequently requested to be dealt but found no interested takers and was forced to remain in Chicago for the time being.

Now officially on the open market, the 29-year-old Harris should receive a few looks as he is still a solid player in run support and a playmaker on the ball, having recorded 15 interceptions and 12 forced fumbles in 88 career games.

He would be a valuable asset to another club down the stretch — just don’t expect good results if he’s left alone with an elite wideout.

Appearing on WBBM-AM 780 Chicago on Monday night, Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said the team and the representatives for Forte have a “mutual understanding” that there would be no more contract talks until the end of the season.

“Right now our focus is going to be on the season,” Angelo stated.

Forte will play out the last year of his current contract, which will pay him $555,000 this season.

Just last week, the 25-year-old Forte was offered a new deal by the Bears, one that reportedly included $15 million in guarantees. It apparently wasn’t good enough for him or his reps.

The organization was said to be using the contract Frank Gore recently agreed to — three-years, $21 million, $13.5 million guaranteed — as a “base line” in talks. Presumably, Forte is aiming higher, as in DeAngelo Williams money (five-years, $43 million, $21 million guaranteed).

If that was indeed the case, Chicago was smart to pull the plug on the talks. As good as Forte has been for Da Bears, he’s an injury-prone back playing in a pass-first offense. Both Gore and Williams are the focal points of their respective offenses, so they deserved the pay hike.

Provided Forte stays healthy, and has another productive season, there’s no doubt he’ll be locked up by the Bears. But if he’s expecting to be paid like a top-five player at his position, he’s surely going to be disappointed this winter.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Bears and safety Brandon Meriweather agreed to a one-year contract on Sunday. The financial terms of the deal are not yet known.

Meriweather was dumped by the Patriots in a surprising move Saturday after the former No. 1 pick spent three seasons in New England.

Despite earning back-to-back Pro Bowl selections the past two seasons, Meriweather didn’t fit the direction coach Bill Belichick wants to go on defense and was promptly shown the door.

Up to this point in his five-year career, the former Miami Hurricane has totaled 261 tackles, two sacks, 12 interceptions, five forced fumbles, and 27 passes defensed.

It will be interesting to see how Meriweather performs in the Bears’ Cover-2 system. The scheme emphasizes coverage, an area of Meriweather’s game that could use improvement after being labeled as a freelancer.

We should get to see the results right away as he’s slated to start opposite Chris Harris in Week One.

The Bears continued to pare down their roster to the 53-man limit before Saturday evening’s deadline, and one of the Turk’s unfortunate victims was Taylor, the 10-year vet.

On Monday, a report stated the Bears cut ties with Taylor before a supposed misunderstanding led coach Lovie Smith to deem him still a member of the team.

In the end, it sounds like Chicago initially jumped the gun with the transaction, and wanted to think it through before making it official.

Taylor’s play as of late, however, made it an easy decision for the coaching staff. Already stuck behind Matt Forte and Marion Barber, he needed a strong preseason to remain with the organization. 37 yards on 16 carries later, and Taylor is now out of a job.

Once a top-flight third down back, Taylor fell off hard in 2010, notching a disappointing 2.4 yards per carry average. The 33-year-old may latch on elsewhere, but his best days are seemingly well behind him.