ON THE SIDELINES : Ditka Hints He May Leave Bears

Bears coach Mike Ditka, faced with four losses and criticism for a recent outburst about fans’ behavior, has hinted that his days with the team may be numbered.

At a luncheon Tuesday at Ditka’s restaurant in Merrillville, Ind., the coach grabbed the microphone from an interviewer and indicated that he is fed up with those who do not appreciate his blunt style.

“There was a while it was appreciated,” he said. “Now that we’ve had some success, people don’t appreciate honesty any more. You’re supposed to tell them what they want to hear.

“I don’t think they’ll have to worry about it. I’m not going to do this very much longer. They can get someone else and continue about their ways. The Bears will continue to win because I think the blocks are in place.”

Ditka, whose contract expires at the end of 1990, hopped into a waiting limousine and departed without elaborating.