Long on possible return to Bears: 'I would wait for a new staff'

Three-time Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long would only consider returning to the Chicago Bears if they replace their coaching staff.

Long, who retired in January after playing his entire seven-season career with the Bears, expressed his disapproval with Chicago's current staff in a series of tweets Monday.

I would wait for a new staff https://t.co/sWbjeCobTQ

- Kyle (@Ky1eLong) June 15, 2020

I have supported this staff and the roster in the media since being released. Believe in the team and the coaches. But that doesn't mean I would want to play for them

- Kyle (@Ky1eLong) June 15, 2020

Long was set to become a free agent this year after the Bears declined the 2020 option on his contract at the end of last season. The 2013 first-round pick said Chicago decided to part ways with him at halftime of the team's Week 5 game against the then-Oakland Raiders in London.

"It was just made very clear to me that I wasn't the same guy I used to be," he said.

The 31-year-old was placed on injured reserve the week following the Raiders game. He played in only four contests in 2019 because of a hip injury.

Long recently denied a report that the New York Jets have spoken to him about coming out of retirement. He also said Monday that he'll soon decide whether he wants to end his retirement, though he's "most likely gonna be on golf courses instead of gridirons."

"I will know with conviction whether I'm done for good or not in the next few weeks," he said. "Full transparency, I miss football, but at what cost."

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