If Ryan Pace Is Out in 2021, A Wacky NFL Measure Could Impact Bears' GM Search

Ryan Pace isn't dumb. He knows a lot is riding on this upcoming 2020 season. The Chicago Bears GM has done a lot to rebuild the team. Unfortunately, it hasn't been enough in the eyes of many. The Bears have made the playoffs just once in his five seasons. A lot of that having to do with some bad decisions made by him. None more so than taking Mitch Trubisky in the 2017 NFL draft. That misfire is threatening to undo everything he's worked for.

If this team misses the playoffs again, belief is the team will make a change.

This is why many fans are already speculating about who could replace him. While somewhat premature, it's an unavoidable topic. One that could get even more complicated. According to Jim Trotter of NFL Media, league owners are planning a vote next week that could look to expand on the Rooney Rule. The initiative meant to encourage the hiring of minority coaches and executives.

With so few in such positions currently, there is a movement to perhaps offer teams an incentive to change that.

Ryan Pace successor search would certainly change with this

Given how central the draft has become in the minds of NFL teams, the idea of gaining advantageous position however possible is always a focus. It isn't a stretch at all to think teams would embrace this avenue for just such a chance. It's hardly a stretch to think the Bears might take advantage of it. This is an avenue they've been down before. Lovie Smith was their head coach for several years. Rod Graves was their de facto GM for a time in the 1990s.

Many though don't believe this is the right direction to go in solving the underlying problem.

What people are pushing for is minority candidates to actually be given fair chances to get these jobs. It's believed a lot of these owners are merely finding ways to bypass the Rooney Rule in order to get guys they're more comfortable with. All of them white. Is it a coincidence all these owners are white too? It is an unfortunate reality nobody wants to confront directly.