AP

Bears coach Marc Trestman took to the podium for the first time since benching quarterback Jay Cutler, and said he discussed the switch with the players involved before going upstairs.

Trestman told reporters that he met with Cutler and Jimmy Clausen before discussing it with General Manager Phil Emery, making it clear that it was his decision.

Trestman trotted out the old “best interest of the football team,” line in discussing the swtich, and said he thinks Cutler will be better for it in the long term.

“I’ve seen careers revived from moments like this,” Trestman said. “And I really feel like Jay will do that.”

Of course, all the early speculation is that Cutler’s next start will come for another team, and that they’re protecting him to trade.

Trestman said he “changed my mind,” when asked about previous support of Cutler.

Clausen took the first reps in practice today, and Trestman said this decision only pertained to this week. He said that Cutler would be active and be Clausen’s backup.

“I think we need a lift at quarterback, we need a spark,” Trestman said. “The weight of the world should not be on Jimmy Clausen.”

Nor should the burden of a collapsing franchise.