The Bears denied the Tennessee Titans' request to interview offensive line coach Mike Tice for their offensive coordinator vacancy, the *Chicago Tribune* reported Monday, citing a league source.
The Titans, whom ESPN reported were rebuffed last week by the New York Jets in their pursuit of assistant head coach-offensive line coach Bill Callahan, sent their request to the Bears by fax.
New Titans coach Mike Munchak's interest in talking to Tice was first reported Sunday by the Tribune.
Tice, who was the Minnesota Vikings' head coach from 2001 to 2005, is widely credited with helping resurrect a suspect Bears offensive line as Chicago won the NFC North Division title and advanced to the NFC Championship Game. Tice has once year remaining on his contract, but the Tribune said the Bears want him to continue rebuilding the line and would have few potential replacements if he left because most teams' staffs have been completed.
