The Bears weathered some rocky seasons under Lovie Smith before, and two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Tillman figured his coach would survive yet again.
So Tillman was "shocked" when the Bears relieved Smith of his duties Monday morning after nine seasons.
Asked if he ever imagined this day, Tillman said, "No, not since I've been here.
"I never thought I would have to play for another coach. Never crossed my mind. Never one time... There's a saying, 'That change is good.' But some change is good, not all change is good."
Specifically, Tillman noted that the defense has a "good system," and he's hopeful that the players and coaches, including coordinator Rod Marinelli, are retained.
"In all honestly, I would like our whole defense to come back. But I know that's not a perfect world," he said. "That's just wishful thinking.
"It'll be interesting to see how it unravels."
Like other players, Tillman was moved by Smith's final speech.
"One of the many things I can say about coach Smith is, he is a man of God and integrity, and he knows how to handle and carry himself. He'll handle every situation with class," Tillman said. "It was a sad speech. He said it was his last time being our coach that it was an honor. In actuality, the honor was our's to have him coach us, and lead us.
"It was an honor and privilege and pleasure to play for Lovie Smith. Whatever team lands him, they are - the players and administrators - are getting a steal."
Asked if hopes to have input on the next coach, Tillman said, "The guy I wanted is gone, so my opinion doesn't count.
"But I'll have to respect whomever the organization decides to choose. And I think everyone parted on good terms. It's just a business, and it's something that happened."
Ultimately, Tillman said, the players -- not just the ones on offense -- failed Smith.
"We started off 7-1," he said. "We should have won way more than 10 games, then we wouldn't be having this conversation. We, as players, let coach Smith down.
"We didn't finish strong."
The defense had A "good system"? Giving up three drives of 80+ yards to the Detroit Lions, is not "Good"
I'm a bit surprised that Tillman was surprised. I doubt if anyone else on the team was. Certainly the firing was going to be based on the playoffs and the Bears' performance there if they lucked out and made them. I think smith would have been gone even if he made the playoffs and then lost the next game. The only difference is that firing him would have been a little more difficult to justify.