Rumor: Ryan Pace May Be Eyeing More Front Office Help

Is Ryan Pace still going to be the GM of the Chicago Bears in 2018? It's not entirely clear but the general belief is that will be the case. He'll be allowed to seek out his second head coach. Hopefully someone who can properly develop this young roster into a contender, Mitch Trubisky in particular. That means this coming off-season could be huge. What can so often be forgotten in these situations is the coaching staff might not be the only thing that changes. Pace may have designs on a front office move as well. Don't forget the Bears suffered a significant loss when Joe Douglas left their staff for a promotion in Philadelphia. They haven't really tried to bring in anymore outside help since then. One thing about Pace is he's always on the lookout for talent. Not just player talent either. There were no connections to Douglas when he hired him out of Baltimore. Douglas had a strong reputation and Pace wished to take advantage. The result was their excellent 2016 off-season. Now it appears the Bears GM may be sniffing around another notable name.

Ryan Pace keeping a close watch on Tampa Bay GM Jason Licht

A source reached out to me in the past week and said the Bears were monitoring the status regarding Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Jason Licht. The idea being that they would move quickly to bring him in as a front office addition were he to part ways with the organization.

"He was hired out of New England because of his experience with a winning organization and the feeling was he'd bring that culture to Tampa Bay. His drafts constantly hit and ownership was in love with him and were starting to feel he was their guy once Winston was selected. They had a really terrific year and almost made the playoffs (in 2016). Now this year they have regressed with the blame being put on (Dirk) Koetter. With all the heat Licht is being criticized for bringing Koetter in and there's still hard feelings over letting Lovie go when they were starting to hit their stride."

Licht has been running the Buccaneers front office since 2014. In that time he's added some considerable talent to their roster with names like Mike Evans, Jameis Winston, Kwon Alexander, Vernon Hargreaves, and O.J. Howard. Unfortunately like many GMs his eye for coaching talent can be left in question.

Pace could strengthen personnel department with Licht aboard

At the same time this is a man who can be a valuable asset in a front office as a personnel executive. It would seem Pace might like to make that a reality.

"Rumblings were starting this year that he may not be safe. Pace has been interested in him and with NFC South experience it's felt with Pace's ideas and Licht's eye for talent it would work and they'd be set up greatly for the future."

Licht is a richly experienced personnel man. He got his first crack at a major director position in Philadelphia from 2006 to 2007. With his help they signed quarterback Jeff Garcia who'd go on to the Pro Bowl and also drafted tight end Brent Celek. In 2008 the Arizona Cardinals brought him aboard and he was instrumental in helping them draft cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and defensive end Calaise Campbell. Some of his best work came in New England from 2009 to 2011 during which the Patriots added future studs like Julian Edelman, Patrick Chung, Devin McCourty, Rob Gronkowski, and Nate Solder. He returned to Arizona for two years in 2012 and 2013. It was during that time they added Tyrann Mathieu and Pro Bowl special teamer Justin Bethel. If the Bears' interest is as strong as this would indicate, it's understandable. Licht would be a major benefit to their front office. Where exactly he'd fit will be the question if it comes to pass.