I'll be watching the dynamic involving Phillips. If he's there and silent or says very little, it's a sign he's been demoted behind the scenes. George should be the one doing the talking and then hand things off directly to Pace to make some comments and take questions.

 

If "The Accountant" is more involved than that it signals he's still in the org chart above Pace and I'll read that as a huge negative. These two ought to be at an even place on the org chart with Phillips running nothing related to talent, coaching etc.

 

I hope a reporter asks this simple question: "Who does Pace report to?" If the answer isn't George, we're screwed.

Multiple reports that Pace has been assured he is completely in charge of football operations.

I'm not going to be able to watch the presser live. Got a damn conference call scheduled! I'm looking to you boys for updates!

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.

I'll be watching the dynamic involving Phillips. If he's there and silent or says very little, it's a sign he's been demoted behind the scenes. George should be the one doing the talking and then hand things off directly to Pace to make some comments and take questions.

 

If "The Accountant" is more involved than that it signals he's still in the org chart above Pace and I'll read that as a huge negative. These two ought to be at an even place on the org chart with Phillips running nothing related to talent, coaching etc.

 

I hope a reporter asks this simple question: "Who does Pace report to?" If the answer isn't George, we're screwed.

I vote if the Bears need a new accountant, they hire MadLith and I.

I vote if the Bears need a new accountant, they hire MadLith and I.

 

 

Ill be watching the whole thing, Ill try to notes all the important things discussed.

I vote if the Bears need a new accountant, they hire MadLith and I.

 

Ha! I'm actually a CPA myself. Although I haven't done any actual accounting work in over a decade.

Ha! I'm actually a CPA myself. Although I haven't done any actual accounting work in over a decade.

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).

Ha! I'm actually a CPA myself. Although I haven't done any actual accounting work in over a decade.

NORM!!!

 

Doesn't care about coach or scheme, looking for the best MAN for the job.

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)

Terrible start to the presser when Phillips make s a point to announce Pace will still report to him..

 

Asked about if he would have final say on HC:

 

Started with he will lean on TED, George and Ernie but will have final say.

 

 

Im sorry why will TED be leaned on, he has no business being leaned on.

Being empowered is why he is here

 

 

Perfect world you acquire FA to allow yourself to draft BPA.

 

 

I want them to get to this point!

 

About the Front office staff and structure:

 

First has to find the right HC

2nd needs to Evaluate the current staff before making any changes

3rd evaluate Roster

 

Wont make any changes until he has evaluated the front office staff, said there are good people in the building

 

also said he has front office staff guys he knows and has relationships with that could be brought in

He really loosened up after the first 5 minutes. At least he has a personality!

He really loosened up after the first 5 minutes. At least he has a personality!

 

 

You could definitely tell he was nervous at the beginning. Its his first press conference ever.

He has a good personality and made a good impression on me, even though he really didn't say much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For you guys who don't think Ted will be involved from this press conference he will be. Pace has said it a couple of times "He will lean on Ted".

 

Once again

 

Ted is at the top

Pace answers to him

 

 

This is why it is important Ted not be in the position he is in, if he was only on the business side Pace would not be "leaning" on Ted. I really don't want Pace leaning on Ted for anything.

 

 

With this, Im not saying Ted needs to be fired, just moved to business side only.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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)

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.

There were too many Ted Phillips references. Makes it look like the Bears hired a yes man. I really hope that isn't the case.

There were too many Ted Phillips references. Makes it look like the Bears hired a yes man. I really hope that isn't the case.

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.

There were too many Ted Phillips references. Makes it look like the Bears hired a yes man. I really hope that isn't the case.

He really made a point to say he took this job because he was empowered. There was a change in his tone when he said it.

 

I don't think Ted will get in his way, I'm not sure there have ever been reports of Ted getting in a GMs way.