CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Steve Mariucci has the security of a five-year, $25 million contract to transform the Detroit Lions. But Dick Jauron appears to be at the point of no return for the Chicago Bears.
The longtime division rivals will meet twice over the next three weeks with the first contest Sunday at newly-renovated Soldier Field.
Mariucci inherited Detroit's 16-game road losing streak and extended it to 19 games with losses at Green Bay, Denver and San Francisco this season.
The Bears have played just two home games this season, losing to Green Bay on September 29 and rallying from a 15-point deficit to beat Oakland, 24-21 on October 5.
Both teams have unstable quarterback situations, but Mariucci announced Wednesday he will start Joey Harrington, the third overall pick in the 2002 draft, instead of Mike McMahon at quarterback on Sunday.
Harrington completed 5-of-13 passes for 30 yards and was intercepted twice in Detroit's 38-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys last week. McMahon replaced Harrington late in the second quarter and wasn't any better, completing 5-of-20 for 51 yards with an interception and fumble.
The absence of receiver Charles Rogers, the second overall pick in the 2003 draft, severely hurts Detroit's passing game. Rogers broke his collarbone in practice on October 7.
Veteran Chris Chandler may start again at quarterback for the Bears while Kordell Stewart nurses a swollen left leg.
Chandler completed 19-of-34 passes for just 149 yards and was intercepted twice in Chicago's 24-17 loss to Seattle last week.
Jauron was named Coach of the Year after leading the Bears to a 13-3 record and a division title in 2001. Since then, they are 5-17 and Jauron is in danger of losing his job.
The teams played two overtime games last season with the Lions winning at home, 23-20 on October 20 and the Bears winning here, 20-17 on November 24.
The second game is best known for former Lions coach Marty Mornhinweg's decision to kick off in the overtime after winning the coin toss. The Bears took advantage of the decision, setting up Paul Edinger for the winning 40-yard field goal after a six-minute drive.
Chandler was 10-of-16 for 111 yards and a score before leaving with a sprained left ankle.
Harrington completed 21-of-40 passes for 213 yards with one touchdown and an interception.
Jason Hanson kicked the game-tying 24-yard field goal with two seconds left in regulation and boomed a 48-yarder 4:48 into overtime in Detroit's 23-20 win over the Bears.
Chicago leads the series, 82-59-5.
