Since 1997, the Chicago Bears have always looked to the outside for whenever they seek a new general manager. It was the case with Mark Hatley, Jerry Angelo, Phil Emery, and then Ryan Pace. Many forget it wasn't always like this. After Jim Finks departed in 1983, the Bears' next three de factor GMs were all internal promotions. Jerry Vainisi was first, then Bill Tobin, and finally Rod Graves. So it shouldn't be too crazy to think they might try that avenue again in 2021.
Remember that George McCaskey is a big admirer of Pace. He didn't want to move on from the GM but felt he had no choice. That said, this doesn't mean he has to completely tear down the front office Pace built. A good way to do this would be to promote one of his primary lieutenants. In this case Assistant Director of Player Personnel Champ Kelly. Probably the most respected man in the entire Bears front office. It shouldn't be a surprise the team interviewed him for the GM position according to Jeff Hughes and Adam Schefter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PUMFCvfCwA&ab_channel=foxchicagosports
