Bears' surge could save Jauron's job.(Chicago Tribune)

Byline: David Haugh

CHICAGO _ Playoffs or not, Dick Jauron may get a chance next season to fulfill the final year of his contract if the Chicago Bears continue to compete with same resolve in the last four games as they have in the previous six.

Sources close to the situation warn not to underestimate the respect the McCaskey family has for the coach and the job he has done maintaining order in the Bears' locker room during a season that threatened to produce chaos.

Instead of players splintering and dissension spreading, as has been the case in Oakland and Atlanta since their seasons went bad, the Bears responded to a disastrous 1-5 start by winning four of six games. They have done so with more rookies on the roster, 14, than at any time since Jauron took over in 1999, and with the continued instability at quarterback that will define his tenure.

Kordell Stewart and Chris Chandler have started six games apiece, and Jauron's next quarterback change will be his 23rd in five seasons. Through it all, thanks to a favorable schedule and an improving defense, the Bears still have come within two missed field goals by usually steady Paul Edinger of being tied with Minnesota for first place in the NFC North at 7-5.

Beside rumblings about the Bears coming out flat in their loss to Detroit on Nov. 9, public criticism from players has been mild, considering the frustration level, and never aimed directly at Jauron. In fact, since training camp several players have stepped forward to say how playing to save Jauron's job motivates them.

A source close to Jauron said Bears management hasn't given him a victory total he needs to reach to keep his job, and the professional manner in which the coach has represented the organization through adversity will factor heavily into his evaluation. The source added that Jauron wouldn't be bullied into firing offensive coordinator John Shoop, the fans' favorite whipping boy, and that Shoop's fate would be left to Jauron after the regular postseason review of each staff member.