Ryan Pace Named Bears GM: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction
Published by Mike Chiari on January 8, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears likely have a busy offseason ahead of them as they try to return to playoff contention, and they now have a general manager in place to lead the charge.
According to the Bears’ official Twitter account, the organization has hired former New Orleans Saints player personnel director Ryan Pace to be its new GM:
On Dec. 29, the Bears fired former general manager Phil Emery on the heels of a 5-11 season, and they are entrusting Pace to turn things around.
Pace was a hot candidate for GM openings after taking on a greater role with the Saints during the 2014 NFL season, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
With Pace doing so much for the Saints organization, Rapoport initially reported that it was likely he would remain in New Orleans.
Things ultimately changed on that front, however, and the Saints lost a key cog in their front office, according to Rapoport:
Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer offered his praise on the hire:
NFL Network’s Albert Breer also shared this reaction from a rival GM executive:
Saints head coach Sean Payton is among those who believed Pace was a huge asset to the franchise, per Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com:
He is really good at what he does. He’s a big part of what we do. He’s very talented and I know he has been promoted here a few times, and deservedly so. I get fired up when he comes to see me first thing [in the] morning. His mind is already racing. I know he is all-in.
Pace’s job starts immediately, as he is already part of the Bears’ head coaching search, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Pace has his work cut out for him in Chicago. He must build up one of the NFL’s worst defenses and make a decision on the future of quarterback Jay Cutler, who has underperformed in relation to his hefty contract.
The Bears have a ton of talent in place already, especially on the offensive side of the ball with running back Matt Forte and wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. If Pace can harness that and add other pieces, then perhaps Chicago is on the verge of a resurgent season.
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