Mike Ditka - Coach Ditka - Coach Dithkis - Da Coach, Da Bears, Saturday Night Live, Those Were the Days, My Friend, We Thought Would Never End - Jim Harbaugh - Ron Lindenberg

Mike Ditka waves to Ron and me as he heads for the practice field. I remember Mike calling the Minnesota Metrodome the "Roller Dome." And the next day, Ditka showed up in Halas Hall wearing roller skates.

Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael converse as they leave the Platteville practice field. For several years, the Bears practiced at the campus of the University of Wisconsin Platteville. I hope Dan and Steve remained friends.

Steve McMichael rides his scooter from the dorms to the practice field. Steve was an excellent and underrated defensive lineman. He did his job and never complained about the coaches or the other players. Steve was never a media darling.

My friend Ron Lindenberg and I recognized Steve McMichael's wife and we had a friendly talk with her. She is very personable. I should Google Steve and see what he is doing.

Richard Dent signs autographs after practice. Richard Dent was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was the most valuable player in Super Bowl XX.

Jay Hilgenberg looks like he could use a cold one. He was a Pro Bowl center for the Bears and is a potential candidate for the Hall of Fame. John Madden was one person who knew and recognized Jay's value to the team. Jay and Jimbo Covert were the two best players on the offensive line.

Jim Harbaugh after a workout. By the time he was drafted by the Bears, the talent on the team had dropped precipitously. Jim Harbaugh is now the head coach of the 49ers.

Tom Thayer warms up jogging several times around the field before practice. He is currently a play by play analyst for a local Chicago station.