DABEARSDABOMB

The tools on that 3rd string QB are absurd though. Cannon of an arm, big strong runner, etc. Heck of a job by OSU. They look legit!

This would be a fantastic hire. I don't blame him for the fact that Peyton choked. I give him credit for winning at two different stops and making it to the superbowl with 2 different teams and being able to adjust extremely well to his personel. Clearly Manning helped him a lot in Denver but you also can't ignore the fact that they did a lot with Tim Tebow at QB too.

@adamjahns: “@ZachZaidman: Kevin Turks is out as #Bears director of pro personnel.” Ryan Pace starts shaking up the front office. Given the whiffs we have had on the FA front (including the mistakes we have made on our own guys), doesn't surprise me

Their are a lot of things about the Saints not to like. From their cap management (it is awful) to their recent free agent moves, to their overall roster over their recent run. They have largely benefited from having a tremendous coach and an exceptional QB and I've really never looked at them and said, wow, that is a team loaded with talent. It was a team that was clearly better than Bears and that was able to win a superbowl (so touche).

I think we will be surprised and be able to get a 2nd rounder for Jay. But I might be crazy. Part of that is I still think you can win with Jay (and I have no problem keeping him) but I do think Pace needs to be focused on finding our next QB and the QB for the future and that starts now. Jay can be around as long as he handles himself as a professional, etc. I only move Jay if you can get something of value for him, but I think we can. I think it is likely to make the rebuild a lot longer but it is the real shot we have at becoming a potential dynasty.

I've thought about it and I want Marshall out. When you have the right culture build, you can bring in guys like Marshall and make it work, however, it is hard to build the right culture when those guys are in-house and helping shape your new culture. My opinion....Marshall is gone. The Bears new coaches and GM need to build the right culture and to do that, they need to make sure that the people building that foundation are right and I don't think Marshall helps in that regard. There are reports of Briggs literally walking out on him after he told Gould to shut the F up, you are just a kicker. Stuff is going to get said all the time, but having one of your key guys and your face being a manic when you are trying to establish a type of culture is extremely counterproductive.

During his interview on ESPN (which is going on right now), he did talk about how he is going to bug Ernie a ton. He didn't say he is going to bug Ted a ton. He also pointed out that he is confident that he has full power to take charge, etc.

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).