Many Around NFL Expecting Chicago Bears GM Job To "Come Open"

The conversation continues to go back and forth regarding what the Chicago Bears will do just over a week from now. Matt Nagy is likely out as head coach. Most reports have indicated as much. The bigger mystery centers around GM Ryan Pace. SM has reported that one of two outcomes is likely at this point. Either Pace is fired or he's retained with a shakeup of his front office. People close to the organization aren't entirely sure which way it goes. Multiple sources including Lance Briggs, Olin Kreutz, and Adam Hoge all stated the organization is researching possible GM candidates. While the situation remains fluid, it appears plenty of people around the NFL seem certain a change is coming. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported as much in a recent column.

"Movement among the GM and head coaching ranks isn't expecting to be as furious as last season when seven GMs and seven head coaches were hired. There are no current GM vacancies in the NFL, though the Giants job is surely coming open. Many around the league anticipate the Bears to come open, and I still believe that's likely to happen."

This falls in line with what others have indicated.

It is a tricky situation. Unlike Nagy, there is evidence available to prove Pace has done his job semi-competently over the past few years. Roquan Smith and Jaylon Johnson already look like Pro Bowlers on defense. Both are 24-years old or younger. David Montgomery and Darnell Mooney are prominent weapons on offense while Justin Fields and Larry Borom have both flashed tons of potential as rookies. Still, it is hard to justify retaining a GM that has one winning season in seven years on the job. A tenure marked by several bad misfires at quarterback and a bad misfire at head coach. While Fields might be a true franchise QB in the making, Pace's track record at building offenses to this point is subpar at best. It might be better if the organization tried to see if they could find somebody more capable in that regard. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Justin-Fields-Best-Plays-From-Week-8-vs.-49ers-NFL-2021-Highlights.mp4"][/video]

Fate of Pace hinges on if Chicago Bears feel they can upgrade

That is to say whether or not George McCaskey can make the bold move. The belief as of now is the Bears aim to target big names in their potential overhaul. Guys with prior experience and proven track records. This includes not just former GMs but even sitting GMs as well. Every notable name they feel might be even slightly possible is being explored. All it takes is the right one to say yes. This doesn't mean McCaskey is making first-time GMs totally off-limits, but it doesn't feel like that is a road he is anxious to go down again. Not after what happened with Phil Emery and now Pace. Given his lack of football prowess as an owner, it might make more sense to seek out somebody that has shown they can do it in the past. If that means shelling out a lot of money and fancy titles, then so be it.

A $4 billion franchise can offer plenty of either.

What most Chicago Bears fans have a problem with is trusting McCaskey with this process. Even if he's getting plenty of sound advice from outside consultants as reports say, the final decision rests with him. His track record over the past 10 years doesn't inspire confidence. This is a big reason why he might be reluctant to move on from Pace. Not just respect for the person but also a lack of confidence that he can find somebody better.