Last week SM reported that Chicago Bears ownership was beginning the process of researching potential changes to their power structure. That included both the head coach and GM positions. While neither Matt Nagy nor Ryan Pace will be fired during the season, it is becoming clear both of their jobs are in serious danger. With the Bears 3-6 and fading fast from the NFC playoff picture? Only a major turnaround down the stretch may save them.
Until this happens, George McCaskey is likely looking to keep his options open. That is why he’s gathering a list of potential names he might pursue as replacements when the time comes. The one name that popped up from conversations with a source was former Buffalo Bills GM Doug Whaley. Since then it appears that the list has started to expand somewhat as more time becomes available during the bye week.
Two more names are now on it. Former GMs Rick Smith and Jerry Reese.
A pattern seems to be emerging here. McCaskey is seeking out executives with prior experience running their own team. Smith was GM of the Houston Texans from 2006 to 2017. In that time he built a roster that made the playoffs four times during his tenure and twice more shortly after he departed. Among his best finds were Duane Brown, Arian Foster, Brandon Brooks, DeAndre Hopkins, and Deshaun Watson. Not a bad track record.
As for Reese? He played a central role in the two Super Bowl titles the New York Giants won in 2007 and 2011. He was director of player personnel from 2004 to 2006 when they secured Eli Manning, Chris Snee, Justin Tuck, and Mathias Kiwanuka. Then in 2007 he took over as GM and laid the foundation for their second title with additions such as Ahmad Bradshaw, Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Victor Cruz.
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Chicago Bears have plenty of time to let the list grow
Remember there are still two months left in this season. McCaskey seems to be focusing on executives who are currently available. None of Whaley, Smith, or Reese are employed by a team at present. That means the Bears owner would be free to meet with them if he so desired. One can safely assume there are other names of interest that haven’t come out. Perhaps the ones he doesn’t want anybody else to know about.
Of the three noted so far? The most proven from a talent evaluation standpoint has to be Smith. He routinely found Pro Bowl players during his time in Houston. Whaley and Reese can’t say the same. While Reese did win championships, it was with a roster foundation mostly constructed by his predecessor Ernie Accorsi. Either way, this process is just getting started. Things can change quite a bit in the next several weeks.
Especially if young Bears talent continues to ascend.
That might be enough for ownership to consider keeping Pace and only firing Nagy. Something the source said remains on the table. The process is fluid. Things aren’t likely to come into focus until the start of December. Chicago has a four-game stretch that will include Baltimore, Arizona, and Green Bay. If they lose all three? The fates of the men in charge might be sealed.
