BearFan2000

just threw up a little in my mouth.... My gut reaction is I don't want that fat, arrogant, arse hat anywhere near my Bears. I know he's had success in different places as an OC in the NFL but if Fox can keep him under control and mostly out of sight/media, maybe I could stomach him. He'd be on the bottom of my list cause I don't like him as a person. I know it's more than just about personality, but not sure if his character is the type that would be good for the locker room considering one of Fox's tasks will be to restore order and sanity to the locker room.

Both Pressers were full of loaded questions. Pace's and Fox's and they both essentially said the same thing that they have not yet had the time to meet with all the players and fully evaluate the roster. It is to be expected though because the Cutler situation is such a hot topic both with the fans and the media. Pace's response was more concise while Fox's was a bit more wordy, neither would commit to say yes he is the QB or no he's not. But really till the staff is in place and He and Pace have a better feel for Jay and how he fits into the plan or doesn't. Can't really make that statement. It may or may not be a sticking point with potential OC candidates and true some may want to not involve themselves with it. That can't be helped now it is what it is. Any Candidate that interviews is going to need to present his plan for the offense as a whole, not focus on one guy to the exclusion of the other 10. The other loaded questions about who's got control of what, when it's been spelled out that Ryan has full control of football decisions, Fox will report to him and together they will work on evaluating the roster, who stays, who goes, what kind of players they want to bring in via the draft and FA. Till all the pieces are in place I don't think it makes sense to publicly answer direct questions about Jay or anyone else. To be honest stating Jay is the QB next year or Jay isn't the QB next year can also effect candidates because I'm sure they are going to want some say in deciding who starts/who sits. Making a decision without their opinion can send the wrong message that "we want you to be the OC but, we're going to decide who plays and who doesn't."

Marc Trestman is out there LOL You know I'm kidding though

I tried to listen to that press conference and could only stomach 10 or so min of the full hour long thing lol. After about 10 min I feared for my IQ and instead listened to the condensed versions. What are they thinking? They go from Harbaugh to promoting this boob? I too first heard about it on the Score and man…. if your ever feeling bummed about your team… watch that lol

Disagree that the Packers played like the better team the whole game except for one play. They controlled the first half but Seattle came out with intensity and desire in the second half and fought back to win that game. This was a second half collapse by the Packers. outscored 22-6 in the second half GB didn't even sniff the end zone in the second half. Both FG's were 48 yards. I'm not a fan of either of these teams but gotta give the Seahawks a lot of credit to fight back and win. Packers made some critical mistakes on key plays, the almost pick, the 2 pt conv, the onside kick, etc but those plays were key because Seattle put themselves in position for them to be key moments. That second half and overtime was probably the most enjoyable football I've seen this year. Always love it when the Packers look like dopes. But as others have pointed out the media will spin this with all kinds of excuses. Sherman played with one arm for a good chunk of the second half, but I bet we hear more about Rodgers being dinged up than Sherman.

Anyone else enjoy the second half of the NFC title game? That was a heck of a comeback by Seattle outscoring the packers 22-6 in the second half and scoring the winning TD in overtime. Packers came within a favorable call of getting knocked out last week and this week they got off to a good start but got owned when it mattered. I kept waiting for some BS call to bail out the Packers but it didn't come and they are sent home with no super bowl.

That's what makes this all so hard to fully grasp just how big this shift has been and how decisive George has been taking the bull by the horns and leading the charge. And the sheer timing of it all not long after our new GM is in place and coaching vacancies star getting filled in the annual game of coaching musical chairs. A proven guy becomes available in time to interview and hire. Could this be our turn to catch some breaks and see this team returned it's place of honor? Time will tell, but this is the most hopeful I've been in years. I was impressed to hear that Pace flew out to Denver to get more time to talk and do a second interview with Fox. Pace has been reported as a go getter and we're seeing that play out.

whoever we get I trust Fox's judgement and something that makes me smile is that our team will have an identity, a sense of direction. Last year it was hard to figure out what we were trying to do or thinking it just seemed like a chicken with it's head cut off. One thing Fox and his staff will bring is a sense of order and direction.

If that's the case you won't be alone in that category, let's hope for all our sakes that we finally may see our beloved return to greatness.

They announced it today because they read my post earlier J/K Guess I just got a little impatient, glad to see it is now official and Glad the "search is over, and now Pace and Fox can go forward full throttle and put together a good staff and prepare for the Draft. I'm happy with this. Just think it was only a month ago that we were still in the abyss that was Phil Emmery and Marc Trestman. I like both the GM and the Coach hires. Let's get this team turned around! Go Bears!

Just wondering if anyone knows what the hold up might be concerning John Fox? The day he walked away from Denver the connection to the Bears was made instantly. He wants to be here, we want him here, word is Bears are all in, he interviewed Wed and here it is Friday and only rumors that say it's pretty much a done deal. If he's the man, and the interest is mutual, why not just draw up the contract and get this thing announced? Senior bowl is coming up soon and it would be best to have the staff in place prior too. Are we waiting till after the Conf Champ games to do second interviews with coaches still in the playoffs? The Pace thing happened quickly after the interview. Is this going to be like the Pace hiring where we all thought it was Ballard, and next thing we know it's someone else hired? Could the delay be to give Fox time to assemble who his staff would be so they can be introduced at the same time? Maybe I'm worrying too much lol but I'm ready for this to be decided and we can have a better idea of what direction our team might be going.

And that awareness and adjustment in philosophy is something I like. It was clear Manning was slipping and showing signs of running out of gas, that it was in the best interest of the teams success to start to transition to a more run heavy game plan. And they got good production out of whatever RB they had Moreno, Ball, CJ Anderson. Some of that I'm sure can be attributed to the Manning effect. But I like that he realized what they had been doing wasn't going to carry them down the stretch and made the adjustments to keep the team in the hunt. You play the hand your dealt.

Manning's made a career out of choking in the big games. That's been a knock on him for a long time back to his years in Indy. Not that he's the sole reason the got blown out in last years super bowl, or the sole reason the Broncos lost this past weekend. It doesn't help when your star QB underperforms when it matters most.

OMG you unfollowed me or you unfriended me on FB... my life is over!!!!!! Seriously they both need frigging grow up. I don't care who started it, just shut up on social media call each other and make up.... Definitely a need of culture change. Damn that comment makes me feel like a parent lol Just shows whoever takes over as coach is going to have to lay down the law here after two years of the inmates running the asylum. It very well is possible Kyle was just trying to be funny, and Marty went overboard, which may have also been partly trying to be funny. That's the thing about written word can so easily be miss read and then taken too far. Just pick up the phone and talk. Like others have said this crap shouldn't be aired out for the world to see.

I like Cobb's versatility, he's not only fast but he can play all over the field and the return game. say we lost or got rid of Marshall wouldn't' mind Cobb across from Jeffery.

Just now getting to listen to some of these inteviews like Pace on ESPN 1000, and the Score. Listening to Briggs was interesting, and gave some insight into the issues that plagued the Bears under Tresman and Emery. Firstly saw no future with team if Trestman and Emery were still there. That there were things that Trestman did that made the players scratch their heads, like having to fight for team captains, vs what Trestman wanted a rotating captain system. Lack of discipline, back biting, distractions, lack of focus on football especially the timing of certain distractions. Lack of control did sound like the inmates were running the asylum. Many things we sensed that were going on but was interesting to hear his insight and just how toxic things were getting in the past issues were dealt with in the locker room through the chain of command not dealt with in social media or in the press.. Sounds like the vets like him and Peanut were pushed to he side. Makes a lot of sense it would be hard to function and focus on football and winning football games when you have to constantly deal with distractions and non-football issues. I admit in the beginning Trestman came off well and it all sounded good but reality was it was a bunch of psycobabble, let's all get along and be nice (He had been in Canada for the last several years lol). A lot of the crap he peddles sounds good, and people eat it up but when the rubber meets the road it doesn't work.

Thank you, and I agree about the whole reporting thing is that reporting to someone doesn't automatically imply "must get approval from" Ted. Ted is his boss as CEO reporting to Ted from all accounts sounds more like updating on what's going on. Ted runs the business side, and will need to know and have good communication with his Boss. Some things I've liked about the way things have been handled after the season ended. The Bears moved swiftly and decisively to act on removing Trestman and Emmery rather than drag out the inevitable over multiple seasons hoping it will right itself or whatever. Action was needed and they acted. Reaching out to those who are respected football people including Ernie and the NFL panel, and others in different organizations. George knows that they need to get this right and do it the right way. While we interviewed coaching candidates we stuck to the ideal steps of hiring the GM first, and have him hire his head coach. As pointed out by other people interviewing a coaching candidate who's in the playoffs you need to interview in the window allowed and what I didn't know was in the second window (after the Conf champ games, only teams who interviewed the first time can interview then so if you wait you'll be waiting till after the super bowl. What I like about Pace I like his energy and enthusiasm its wasn't like watching emery put you to sleep. I like that as you mentioned he turned other teams down, he wants to be here and stated that he was only going to leave NO for the right job, the way he talked about his life journey, and how this just felt right. He's not coming here just cause he's chasing the next job. Many times brought the Q&A back to the importance of hiring right head coach, and how important it is to get that right. But that it's step one, and that a lot of this other stuff can't really be decided till we have the coach in place. I like that he didn't take the bait on clearly bated questions formed to get a sound bite. Questions about cutler, the staff, etc. Liked that when asked about players, staff he straight out said he's just got here he hasn't gotten to know people and will not comment or decide anything. Demonstrates that he's all for change but not change for the sake of change. I like that he wants the best coach and isn't attached to one philosophy offense defense, 3-4, 4-3, quiet, loud, whatever. But rather will focus on the qualities that a winning coach has, discipline, leadership, character. Wants a coach that will build a system around his players not pigeon hole into his system, not the round peg in a square hole philosophy. Has seen first hand the what it is like to have a GM, Head Coach, Players (specifically QB) that are on the same page, he emphasized harmony, communication, and the value of everyone being all in together. He doesn't act or pretend that he knows all the answers and will reach out for advice info (mentioned bugging Ernie a lot). I'm tired of the know it all, smartest guy in the room mentality. Like the idea of merging college and pro side of putting together and the importance of those two sides knowing what each other is doing and communicating. And how that can put a team in position to draft BPA and building through the draft. Prefers not to push a player just to fill a need if better value is on the board. The importance of drafting well every year and DEVELOPING players. We have had to be active in free agency because we've failed in the draft room. Mentioned Green Bay as many of us have.

Who'da thunk Hub would be a source of positivity, but to be fair there has been much to criticize in the past. I couldn't read the article linked here, but listening to him last night, he made a lot of good points and reiterated things that would be in the column. Particularly we weren't in the interview the only people that know what was said are Ryan, George, Ernie, and Ted. And it is quite possible the "source" stating that Ballard wasn't hired cause he was critical of the Bears and Ted specifically, because they didn't want to hear that. And then further conclude that Pace must have agreed to be a yes man, puppet, or whatever as the reason he got the job.

And that's been stated multiple times from him and others yet some will never accept that. It sounds to me many went into this conference assuming he's been brought into be Ted's yes man, puppet, or whatever. And listened to the conference from that perspective so any hint of that becomes proof of that predetermined opinion and thus fact. Personally it's a jaded way to look at this. Bears have failed in the past, have made a mess of things, thus it will never change, thus they have screwed this up. I think it's early to assume as fact and ignore anything to the contrary. The proof will be in how he does his job, and he has yet to fail but some are acting like that's inevitable. To that I may ask why bother following this if you can't allow the possibility of this change being a positive one? Pace may be the right guy he may not but give someone a chance to succeed before assuming failure. Personally I've seen things that indicate that the Bears realize the status quo isn't going to cut it and that change, real change is needed. Perhaps they finally becoming self aware and realize change was needed. Firing Trestman after two years is a no brainer to us and most of the football world, but in the past the Bears would have drug that out, the Bears firing a HC after two seasons is virtually unheard of. Firing a GM after 3 is also a huge change. How many of us during this past season thought there might be the usual sacrificial lamb to "satisfy the the masses" while avoiding real change till it's painfully obvious it's needed. I for one am encouraged by what George has done and is doing. They recognized that change needed to happen for the good of the team and had the stones to make the change. Rather than allow the team to sink further and recognize that with Emery and Trestman in charge this team was reaching new lows and that doing nothing was not acceptable. I see things that indicate there is a change in how things are done so I'm willing to give it a chance.

That's where it's good to hear him talk in an interview and then see how he does his job going forward. I see a lot being read into what little was said in the presser. His tone change when talking about leaning on Ernie vs leaning on Ted and George. may mean something it may not. But I think assuming that by merely mentioning ted and leaning on him and then concluding same old same old. May be bias based on negative expectations. Pace has never hired a head coach, never been involved in the hiring of one, but the other guys have and that is a big decision. There is a difference in leaning on someone as in blindly trusting them to tell you what to do and leaning on them as in respect to hearing their thoughts. If I were in his shoes having never made a big decision like this and this is a huge decision, it would be foolish not to take into consideration the thoughts and opinions of those in the interviews, but the decision at the end of the day is his to make. And as long as that's the case I'm fine with it. I know we've seen a lot of failure and a lot of bad here in the running of this team. But sometimes we can get so jaded that we look for any hint of past failure and in a sense look for reasons to be dissapointed or unhappy, rather than look for the good and give this a chance to work before assuming failure. just my 2 cents.

IMO those who claim to have "inside knowledge" about what was said, not said, done or not done in the interview process should be taken with a grain of salt and shouldn't be the basis to love or hate this hire. I put more stock in opinions formed based on his track record, resume, and information that is knowable. We weren't in the interview, and neither were some of these "sources" Reality is every hire of a GM/HC, etc. anywhere is going to come with people claiming to be in the know either flinging mud or picking the roses. Some are motivated by friendship, bitterness, or whatever. There will always be speculation, and people looking for dirt, or looking for reasons to like a hire. Personally what matters most is if he can do the job and do it well and get this team headed in the right direction. And that we won't know right away. I'm not going to dismiss the guy just cause I don't know much about him, or because he wasn't who I thought was going to be hired. Which I think is where some of the negativity comes from feeling we were thrown a curve when all the "speculation" seemed to point to Ballard. I'm willing to give the guy a fair shake. Now if 2-3 years down the line I see no improvement or the Bears sink deeper into the abyss then he will have earned our distrust.

It sounds like he had worked his way up the ranks including director of pro personnel the past couple seasons for the Saints. It sounds to me like he has the chops to be a good GM and the background in a winning organization. He is young at 37 to be a GM but that could be a positive by bringing fresh energy and perspective to the Bears. I totally thought it'd be Ballard and honestly don't know much about Pace, so I'm mentally redirecting my thoughts to learn who this guy is. I'm willing to give him a fair shake. Other than their struggles this season the Saints have been in the hunt and have really turned things around. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and I'm glad we did indeed hire GM first and he will have the say in the HC hire. Didn't want to see us make the same mistake again saddling a GM with a coach he did not pick.

And when there's lack of information people and media will speculate. There's always those that claim they know "someone close" or "someone inside" till it's announced we won't know for sure.

Don't want him and the crap that comes with him. The guy is a 100% turd He has all the tools to be a good QB in the NFL except the one that matters between his ears. The kid is an idiot, he's vince young kinda stupid. This team needs less drama not more. Way too much baggage for a kid that if he ever grows up might develop into a good NFL QB. I'd pass

I don't think we should hold past association with the Bears against either a GM or HC candidate, Ballard is very well thought of in many circles. Just because he has past connections with the Bears doesn't mean same old same old. If he's the best candidate for the job and and get the Bears back on the right track I'm all for it. From what I've heard, read, and seen the Bears are focused on getting the best guys they can. Having a connection previously or not will neither help or hinder a candidate. Just like head coach being a calm guy or a screamer or an offensive guy or a defensive guy mean less than whether or not he can lead players. There is not direct correlation to style or offensive/defensive leaning with success. It's easy to wan the opposite of what you just fired. So having had a calm/quiet coach you might want to think we need a screamer with some fire/passion. This time around does feel different than in the past. In the past the Bears would have allowed Trestman/Emery to hang around long after it was clear they needed to be gone. Firing a head coach after two seasons in Chicago is unheard of, and Emery only there 3 years. Both had 2 years left on their contracts but rather than let bad continue, the Bears made the decision based on what they felt was best for the Bears to right the ship. Whether the guys we hire to be GM and HC pan out and things start turning around remains to be seen but it's clear a change was needed and the George had the stones to make the change.