LAKE FOREST - The Chicago Bears have fired linebackers coach Lloyd Lee the latest move after the team finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs for the second straight year. | NFL page

Lee, who joined the team in 2004, was in his first year as linebackers coach. He spent his first two seasons as a defensive quality control coach and assisted with the linebackers in 2006 and defensive backs last season.

Lee's dismissal on Tuesday came after the team got rid of defensive backs coach Steven Wilks last week. And defensive line coach Brick Haley is expected to take a similar job at LSU.

The Bears expected to contend in the NFC and get back to the postseason for the first time since the 2006 Super Bowl season.

A once-elite defense struggled, particularly against the pass. Chicago ranked 30th against the pass and 21st overall.