Trestman says it’ll be ‘all business’ when Bears host Bengals in his NFL debut

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Marc Trestman wasn’t about to wax poetic.

He makes his debut as an NFL head coach when the Chicago Bears host the Cincinnati Bengals, and to say he’s come a long way is no exaggeration.

After years as an assistant in the league and on the college level before heading to the CFL, Trestman finally has his opportunity. Just don’t expect him to get all sentimental when he walks into Soldier Field on Sunday.

“I would think it’s going to be all business,” Trestman said. “I just can’t see it being bigger than that — focus on the football team and my job during the course of the game. I’m certainly very appreciative going out there being the head coach of the Chicago Bears on Sunday. There’s no doubt about it. But my focus is to continue to prepare this week and go out and do my job on Sunday.”

The Bears hired Trestman to replace the fired Lovie Smith, hoping he could spark their offence and get the most out of quarterback Jay Cutler.

Now, they’ll see how it all comes together. They’ll also be tested right from the start against a team that made the playoffs and boasts one of the top defences in the league, with Geno Atkins poised to wreak all kinds of havoc for the Bengals.

Trestman spent the past five seasons as the Montreal Alouettes head coach. winning two Grey Cup titles. But it remains to be seen if that success will translate to Chicago.

Much of that hinges on a rebuilt offensive line and his ability to get through to Cutler, something past co-ordinators Ron Turner, Mike Martz and Mike Tice were unable to do.

Either way, the spotlight is on Trestman. He has a strong history working with quarterbacks, including Bernie Kosar, Steve Young and Rich Gannon.

Cutler, meanwhile, has something to prove. He also has an expiring contract, and the perception in Chicago is he’s out of excuses.