Bears Add Kromer

LAKE FOREST, IL - The Chicago Bears reached an agreement with Aaron Kromer today, making him their offensive coordinator/offensive line.

Bringing 23 years of coaching experience to the Bears, Kromer spent the previous five years with the New Orleans Saints working with the offensive line/running game the past four (2009-12) after tutoring the running backs in 2008. During his tenure as the Saints offensive line coach, five blockers were named to nine Pro Bowls (T Jermon Bushrod 2012; G Jahri Evans 2010-13; C Jonathan Goodwin 2010; G Carl Nicks 2011-12 and T Jon Stinchcomb 2010) and New Orleans was tied for the fewest sacks in the NFL with 96.

Last season, the New Orleans Saints ranked second in the NFL in total offense averaging 410.9 yards per game and third in scoring offense, putting up 28.8 points per game. The Saints offensive line allowed just 26 sacks in 2012, tied for third fewest in the league while Evans was named to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl, all under Kromer's tutelage.

In 2011, the Saints set NFL records in total offense, averaging 467.1 yards per game (7,474 yards), and passing yards (5,347 yards). They ranked second in the league in scoring offense (34.2 points per game) and tied for second with just 24 sacks allowed. Bushrod, Evans and Nicks were all named to the Pro Bowl, the second time under Kromer that three linemen were named to the Pro Bowl in a single season.

The offensive line allowed just 26 sacks in 2010, fifth-fewest in the league. Evans and Nicks were selected to the Pro Bowl.

During his first season as the Saints offensive line/running game coach, New Orleans earned its first Super Bowl Championship in franchise history as the offense led the NFL in total offense (403.8 yards per game) and scoring offense (31.9 points per game). The rushing attack ranked sixth in the NFL averaging 131.6 yards per game and the 20 sacks allowed were fourth-fewest in the league. Three players Evans, Goodwin and Stinchcomb all were named to their first career Pro Bowls.

In 2008, the Saints running backs combined for 2,472 yards from scrimmage and 28 touchdowns.

Kromer joined the Saints organization after three years in Tampa Bay working as the Buccaneers senior assistant/offensive line coach the final two seasons (2006-07) after joining the club as a senior assistant in 2005 with a focus on the offensive line. Two players, G Arron Sears (2006) and G Dan Buenning (2005), earned All-Rookie honors while Kromer was in Tampa Bay

He joined Tampa Bay after a four-year stint with the Oakland Raiders, starting as assistant offensive line coach (2001) before being promoted to the offensive line coach (2002-04). From 2001-03 Kromer worked with new Bears Head Coach Marc Trestman on the Raiders offensive staff, including the 2002 campaign when Oakland led the NFL in total offense en route to its Super Bowl XXXVII appearance.

While in Oakland, Kromer tutored two players to Pro Bowl selections: T Lincoln Kennedy (2001-02) and C Barrett Robbins (2002). He also coached T Robert Gallery to an All-Rookie selection in 2004.

Kromer got his first coaching experience in the Chicagoland area serving as Northwestern's offensive line coach from 1999-2000. The Wildcats led the Big Ten in total offense in 2000.

He got his coaching start at his alma mater, Miami University (Ohio), where he worked for nine seasons (1990-98).

Kromer coached the offensive line in 1998, after working with the tight ends/H-Backs, defensive line, special teams and as a graduate assistant in the previous seasons.

One of only four players in Miami history to serve as a two-time captain (1988-89), Kromer lettered for three seasons at offensive tackle from 1987-89. He was a recipient of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Award, graduating with a degree in education before earning his master's degree in education administration in 1991.

Kromer and his wife, Dawn, have a son, Zachary, and a daughter, Brooke.