An interesting rumor popped up just over a week ago when Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports revealed the Chicago Bears and NFL agent Trace Armstrong were discussing the possibility of him becoming a top executive in the organization. Something akin to a President of Football Operations. Armstrong quickly denied this and it was mostly forgotten, but some were left wondering. His reaction seemed abrupt. Especially given how rarely he posts on Twitter.
Was he speaking the truth or playing a game of misdirection? After all, it wouldn’t be good if it became an established fact that he was taking over operations in Chicago with his client, Matt Nagy, still the head coach. Somebody the Bears likely plan to fire in the next few weeks. The buzz died away after that. Now it might be gaining steam again. This time courtesy of former Chicago sportscaster Peggy Kusinski. She has covered the Bears for ESPN and NBC Sports going all the way back to 2001. Her connection in the local sports scene is strong.
That is what made this tweet by her rather interesting.
I am hopeful the reason #ChicagoBears haven’t fired #Nagy & #RyanPace yet is because they are busy negotiating with Trace Armstrong to become Director of Football Operations & then HE CAN CLEAN HOUSE! Please Santa that’s all #Bears fans want for Christmas! #NFL
— Peggy Kusinski (@peggykusinski) December 21, 2021
By itself, that statement feels like more wishful thinking than anything. However, it was the follow-up when a Bears fan asked her whether it was an opinion or sourced that really drew some attention.
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— Peggy Kusinski (@peggykusinski) December 21, 2021
It’s hard not to read into what she’s saying. It seems there might be some heat to the Armstrong rumor after all. That the Bears’ interest in him is real and the interest might be mutual. There have already been rumblings for the past week that George McCaskey is not only considering a full housecleaning at head coach and GM next month, but also a significant shift in the entire football operations. Hiring somebody like Armstrong, with his deep NFL connections and history with the franchise (was a 1st round pick of the Bears in 1989) makes a ton of sense.
Trace Armstrong would certainly bring some credibility with him
Not only did he play in the NFL for a decade, collecting 106 sacks in his career, but he also has built a strong legacy as an agent since then. He is well-connected through the league. Especially on the coaching circuit. Nagy isn’t his only client. Mike McCarthy, Matt Rhule, and Josh McDaniels are a few other examples. So it is safe to say the man knows a lot of people around the league. Quality football people.
That is something the Bears need a lot more of at the top of their organization. Ted Phillips has run the show since 1999. Somebody with no background in football. It shouldn’t be a surprise he’s met mostly with failure. Trace Armstrong would be a significant departure. He has lived and breathed the game for his entire adult life. The fact he knows the football and business side of the NFL only makes the idea of hiring him more logical.
January can’t arrive soon enough for fans.
That is when they should start getting more information on this subject. With the Bears out of the playoff picture, it’s all they have at this point. If Armstrong ends up being the guy? This could be the most significant organizational shift since George Halas hired his first-ever GM way back in 1974.