DABEARSDABOMB

He also did not rule out college candidates, which was interesting.

Also, had they not got Brees, they were also trying to acquire Romo. Not sure how much Pace was involved in that or if more of that was Payton.

Even when he talked about leaning on people, his tone changed when he referred to Ernie...as in, Ernie is the real guy I'm going to lean on (the rest was just lip-service).

I do absolutely think that Jay is gone. Its just a matter of can they do it now or not. I think he is going to work very diligently on finding our next QB. You can tell how focused he is on the QB position.

I thought that but I think the proof will be in the pudding. He had a slip-up at one point where he did make it sound like changes were coming. As long as we see changes, than I think that will be the proof. I think some of this is just being smart and paying compliments to your bosses. That is my hope. He clearly pointed out that he has final say.

I liked the fact that he is going to leverage what he saw about Payton's personality and what made him tick and work as a head coach as well as the intangibles that Brees brought. The fact that he has seen people like that is meaningful, imo. He really wasn't describing Jay, that said, he pointed out he had to meet him. Only thing I really didn't like was fact that he talked about leaning on Ted & George, although that might just be him being friendly. He really emphasized the fact that he's going to leverage Ernie which is okay.

elow is a quick summary. Ryan was extremely calm during the entire interview. I walked away feeling pretty good. Phillips: Phillips, Pace, Accoris, and George will all be involved in the coaching interview process. Phillips: Pace lead the interview Pace: - 1st order of business is to hire the right head coach to bring multiple championships and that is the most critical decision to be made and he pointed out how Sean Payton hire was the spark that got Saints set in the right direction. - Will be aggressive and will do anything possible to strengthen the roster - Must build through the draft and need to string through - Not just collecting athletes, they are acquiring football players who fit the Chicago Bears. Emphasis on character, instincts, toughness, and winning games - Will not discuss any coaching candidates or individual players. Than opens it up for questions (his actual lead was about 2 minutes). Q&A: - Highlights again about focus in the organization was about winning games, no ego's, etc. - Looking for the best coach (doesn't matter if 4/3 or 3-4 or offensive / defensive). Confidence, Charisma, leadership, etc. Wants man for the job. Really keeps hitting on fact that the right head coach is what he needs and than evaluate the roster and develop off-season plan - Points out that they can get back to playoffs quick, but the key is really to have a progressive plan and improve - Re: Structural changes, says he needs to evaluate things first and than from their can make structural decisions. Said it would be unfair for him to judge people prior to getting to know them. - He was not looking to just jump at first job; Views this as a historic franchise that desperately wants to win and is willing to do whatever it takes to get it and he wants to be a part of that - He has set additional interviews vs. what had been originally scheduled regarding coaches - He has a list of coaches and certain staff people who he values but indicates its "fair" and "right" to evaluate current staff here first - He has full control of 53 man roster; However, the relationship of the HC & GM is critical along with HC and QB. In his 15 years in New Orleans, never saw Mickey & Sean have a major argument. So his point is, while he has full control, he needs to be working every day with the coaches and get the right guys for the coaches. - He slipped...briefly, said he does want to make structure and scouting structure more like New Orleans but than went back to say structures are pretty similar - Has final say on HC hire, but points out he will lean on George, Ernie, and Ted - QB is critical position to achieve sustained success but not the only position. All 53 guys need to contribute and he understands why Brees was successful but that he wants to get to know Jay before coming to any conclusions - Talked about adversity from bountygate, etc, and how it is how you handle adversity and persevere through it and he's learned from that and believes a lot has to do with your attitude when going through it - In regards to age, talks about how despite age, he has seen a lot and views his experience in New Orleans and isn't worried about his age and feels he's fully experienced - Feels really good about being here and that he is empowered (but doesn't directly indicate how long his contract is) - Evaluating the QB is more than what you see on tape...he needs to get to know him as a person (refuses to go any more in depth) - Pro / College department in New Orleans was merged so he was always involved with the draft (even though he had a pro title) and he envisions that it is critical to have that "merged" process. Seems that we will see that sort of change in Chicago. Thinks that the fact that being on the pro side, allows you to better see and understand what it takes to succeed at various positions, etc, which than better helps you when it comes to targeting the players in the draft that have those attributes. Also values the fact that on the pro side you see more about coach / GM involvement, etc, but continued to highlight his involvement in the draft - Bottom line, key is to draft and you acquire players in FA to allow you to always draft best player available - Thrives on the fact that he is evaluated on wins and losses and he is not concerned about the time-frame George / Ted will give him. Its a win/loss business. - Raved about Drew Brees work ethic - Talks about how division is strong and how Lions / Packers have done a great job building themselves through the draft (ignored Minny) - Is not yet sure whether he will use the old Emery system of drafting or the new system of drafting. Ultimately his method will be implemented just isn't sure yet if it will be this year. Has to see it and get into it. - Points out that he has never hired a head coach / been involved in that. Indicates he will leverage and take advantage of the other guys in the organization who have and lean heavy on Ernie - Only get one first shot and he talked about how from the moment he walked in the building, he could just "feel" it here and it will be set-up to win with sustained success and he is excited about it. Historic experience, coming back to Illinois, everything just felt right. His wife's family is all Bears fans. - Talked about weather and how to win in the environment in Chicago, you have to be able to run the ball and play tough, physical defense and that they are going to get back to that - He is influenced by Payton and the qualities he brought (from Parcells) and how he was focused on discipline. Also highlighted the energy, charisma, and confidence and how the HC is selling his plan from the players and he will be looking for that type of coach. - Believes in taking BPA, period. Talked about a learning lesson early in his career, where he pushed a DT in 2003 early, who didn't end up being a good player, because it was a need (vs. BPA). - Urgency to get coach in place in time of the senior bowl but pointed out that he doesn't want that timetable to rush the Bears in the decision of the head coach as it is crucial he gets it right - Favors no specific philosophy but a coach that can adjust his defense to the players vs. pigeon hole his players into the scheme. (I lean this to meaning a guy like Bowles who has made it all work, injuries, 3-4 / 4-3, etc). - He does report into Ted; Said Ted reminds him a lot of Mickey Loomis and he has an automatic connection and points out that his relationship with Ted is going to be important and that he is comfortable with the hierarchy. He is going to continue to lean on various peoples experience since he is a young GM (again pointed to Ted and Ernie). - Isn't going to immediately talk to Jay but he'll have time to. First priority is HC - Intangibles for QB position are critical (again, Drew has left an impression on him regarding that)

Below is a quick summary. Ryan was extremely calm during the entire interview. I walked away feeling pretty good. Phillips: Phillips, Pace, Accoris, and George will all be involved in the coaching interview process. Phillips: Pace lead the interview Pace: - 1st order of business is to hire the right head coach to bring multiple championships and that is the most critical decision to be made and he pointed out how Sean Payton hire was the spark that got Saints set in the right direction. - Will be aggressive and will do anything possible to strengthen the roster - Must build through the draft and need to string through - Not just collecting athletes, they are acquiring football players who fit the Chicago Bears. Emphasis on character, instincts, toughness, and winning games - Will not discuss any coaching candidates or individual players. Than opens it up for questions (his actual lead was about 2 minutes). Q&A: - Highlights again about focus in the organization was about winning games, no ego's, etc. - Looking for the best coach (doesn't matter if 4/3 or 3-4 or offensive / defensive). Confidence, Charisma, leadership, etc. Wants man for the job. Really keeps hitting on fact that the right head coach is what he needs and than evaluate the roster and develop off-season plan - Points out that they can get back to playoffs quick, but the key is really to have a progressive plan and improve - Re: Structural changes, says he needs to evaluate things first and than from their can make structural decisions. Said it would be unfair for him to judge people prior to getting to know them. - He was not looking to just jump at first job; Views this as a historic franchise that desperately wants to win and is willing to do whatever it takes to get it and he wants to be a part of that - He has set additional interviews vs. what had been originally scheduled regarding coaches - He has a list of coaches and certain staff people who he values but indicates its "fair" and "right" to evaluate current staff here first - He has full control of 53 man roster; However, the relationship of the HC & GM is critical along with HC and QB. In his 15 years in New Orleans, never saw Mickey & Sean have a major argument. So his point is, while he has full control, he needs to be working every day with the coaches and get the right guys for the coaches. - He slipped...briefly, said he does want to make structure and scouting structure more like New Orleans but than went back to say structures are pretty similar - Has final say on HC hire, but points out he will lean on George, Ernie, and Ted - QB is critical position to achieve sustained success but not the only position. All 53 guys need to contribute and he understands why Brees was successful but that he wants to get to know Jay before coming to any conclusions - Talked about adversity from bountygate, etc, and how it is how you handle adversity and persevere through it and he's learned from that and believes a lot has to do with your attitude when going through it - In regards to age, talks about how despite age, he has seen a lot and views his experience in New Orleans and isn't worried about his age and feels he's fully experienced - Feels really good about being here and that he is empowered (but doesn't directly indicate how long his contract is) - Evaluating the QB is more than what you see on tape...he needs to get to know him as a person (refuses to go any more in depth) - Pro / College department in New Orleans was merged so he was always involved with the draft (even though he had a pro title) and he envisions that it is critical to have that "merged" process. Seems that we will see that sort of change in Chicago. Thinks that the fact that being on the pro side, allows you to better see and understand what it takes to succeed at various positions, etc, which than better helps you when it comes to targeting the players in the draft that have those attributes. Also values the fact that on the pro side you see more about coach / GM involvement, etc, but continued to highlight his involvement in the draft - Bottom line, key is to draft and you acquire players in FA to allow you to always draft best player available - Thrives on the fact that he is evaluated on wins and losses and he is not concerned about the time-frame George / Ted will give him. Its a win/loss business. - Raved about Drew Brees work ethic - Talks about how division is strong and how Lions / Packers have done a great job building themselves through the draft (ignored Minny) - Is not yet sure whether he will use the old Emery system of drafting or the new system of drafting. Ultimately his method will be implemented just isn't sure yet if it will be this year. Has to see it and get into it. - Points out that he has never hired a head coach / been involved in that. Indicates he will leverage and take advantage of the other guys in the organization who have and lean heavy on Ernie - Only get one first shot and he talked about how from the moment he walked in the building, he could just "feel" it here and it will be set-up to win with sustained success and he is excited about it. Historic experience, coming back to Illinois, everything just felt right. His wife's family is all Bears fans. - Talked about weather and how to win in the environment in Chicago, you have to be able to run the ball and play tough, physical defense and that they are going to get back to that - He is influenced by Payton and the qualities he brought (from Parcells) and how he was focused on discipline. Also highlighted the energy, charisma, and confidence and how the HC is selling his plan from the players and he will be looking for that type of coach. - Believes in taking BPA, period. Talked about a learning lesson early in his career, where he pushed a DT in 2003 early, who didn't end up being a good player, because it was a need (vs. BPA). - Urgency to get coach in place in time of the senior bowl but pointed out that he doesn't want that timetable to rush the Bears in the decision of the head coach as it is crucial he gets it right - Favors no specific philosophy but a coach that can adjust his defense to the players vs. pigeon hole his players into the scheme. (I lean this to meaning a guy like Bowles who has made it all work, injuries, 3-4 / 4-3, etc). - He does report into Ted; Said Ted reminds him a lot of Mickey Loomis and he has an automatic connection and points out that his relationship with Ted is going to be important and that he is comfortable with the hierarchy. He is going to continue to lean on various peoples experience since he is a young GM (again pointed to Ted and Ernie). - Isn't going to immediately talk to Jay but he'll have time to. First priority is HC - Intangibles for QB position are critical (again, Drew has left an impression on him regarding that)

Didn't realize we had 3 on here, haha. No wonder we usually see eye-to-eye. Like you I don't do a lot of accounting work anymore (spend bulk of my time on the finance side).

I vote if the Bears need a new accountant, they hire MadLith and I.

I got espn radio on in my office so will try to summarize it while I work on a pulling together a presentation and deal with another conference call haha. So I might miss some parts.

Patrick Mannelly is also indicating that his sources indicate that Pace talked about control and laid out what control he wanted and he got all of it. I guess the real answer will be after the draft when we start to see new football people brought into his structure cause you have to imagine turnover at halas hall is going to be high after the draft (when the contracts of the scouts are up and when you typically can make changes). I think its nearly impossible to make changes now, given that pretty much everyone in the biz is under contract.

I was worried about a lot of those articles, however, Hub Arkush published a great read last night / this morning which discusses why Pace was the right hire and that he was brought in to tear things down and rebuild this organization and that everything we are hearing about the Bears being afraid to do that is just spin from the other candidates agents, etc., as they work on damage control for when they interview for future GM jobs. Given Hub's typical willingness to bash the organization, I'm going to side with him when he says George did things right. http://chicagofootball.com/2015/01/09/hub-...aq1xrfl/?page=1

Per LaConfora

@BobWarja: I realize my credibility is in question since my source was wrong about Ballard, so take this with a grain of salt, but next Bears coach... @BobWarja: ...will be Todd Bowles. No, not the same source.

Jen Lada @JenLada@MikeKlis from @denverpost tells @ESPN1000 a source told him Ballard wanted to move on fr Cutler. Speculates may have tipped scales to Pace.

The individual who scooped the GM hiring had this to say about today's interview with Bowles:

Since we are going back in time, here is the thread from when Emery was hired. Maybe it is a good thing. I am complaining about this move but generally liked the Emery move at the time, haha. In theory the concerns I had about Emery are the exact opposite of the concerns I have about Pace. http://www.talkbears.com/forums/index.php?...aded&start= Of course if I were to pat myself on the back, it would be that the pro personnel moves are what really got him in trouble (along with the coaching decision).

I'm not very intrigued by him. I don't like what he did with the Bills. To be honest, I have a sour taste in my mouth about the Saints in general (and people associated with them) from bountygate and everything else. Than Kromer comes in here and his issues, etc. I think it might be why I am still having a harder time getting on board with Pace.

I have never gotten the feeling that Gabriel goes out of his way to be negative about the Bears. Hub certainly does but I don't get the same feel out of Gabriel. What was Hub's background? Did he ever work for the Bears?

Agree with everything you said and at the end of the day, I like the fact that Bears ownership realized they needed to make change when they did, they acted swiftly and they brought in a guy from a winning organization. Hopefully Pace can add to his superbowl ring collection!

There are some believe that Ballard over-stepped his grounds and asked for too much control and that is why we went with Pace though.

Multiple reports that Pace has been assured he is completely in charge of football operations.

Completely agree with you and I think the fact that he was more adapt at pointing it out (because of his past involvement might be why he wasn't hired...which is really disappointing). Bernstein has said it was more that Ballard spent too much time on organization and not enough on roster where Pace knocked it out and spent his time on roster. My problem is, no GM in the world can do it on their own. We need as many bright football people in the building as possible. Just hearing some of this stuff makes me cringe because in theory, Ballard has seen how it is done in halas and how it is done elsewhere and essentially knows what is broke in Chicago and could legitimately offer ways of fixing it. Not knocking Pace, just disappointing if it was the fact that Ballard was more negative and more pointed about what needed to change internally (in addition to roster...but maybe not as focused on roster). Part of me says the roster is largely a work in process anyway which starts with the draft, so how much time should you really spend on it other than maybe giving your opinion of systems that you like, your general view of the players, etc, and clearly an opinion of what went wrong on the field last year. I dont' want someone coming in and making an imaginary roster or something. That is a bunch of fluff anyway. I just picture Pace going...see I trade Cutler for Rodgers and than do this and that and bam...superbowl contender. Not really but kind of like that and McCaskey and Phillips going, oh we can get Rodgers...oh yeah that would be great. All that said, hopefully Pace has full control and can bring in new football people. I imagine that we'll see a lot of changes in the scouting departments, etc. A lot of legacy people on board. Doesn't mean they are all bad but Pace is going to have to bring in his people.

If you want to find a scary comment, look at this one: Greg Gabriel: "Chris Ballard knew where the problems were in the organization, and what he told the Bears on how to fix it, the Bears didn't like"...