Ryan Pace, formerly the director of pro personnel for the Saints, became G.M. of the Bears today. Saints G.M. Mickey Loomis said this week that he believes Pace is ready to become a general manager, although the Saints were hoping not to lose him.
Pace will now participate in the Bears’ coaching search, which the team was reportedly hoping to conclude shortly after finishing their general manager search.
The first, biggest question facing Pace and the new coach will be whether Jay Cutler has a future in Chicago. Although Cutler’s disappointing 2014 season has called his future into question, his guaranteed $15 million salary for 2015 may make him impossible to move.