The Chicago Bears announced today that they have hired New Orleans Saints director of player personnel Ryan Pace to be the team's next general manager.
Pace takes the place of Phil Emery, who was fired along with former head coach Marc Trestman on the NFL's ill-fated Black Monday.
Pace spent the past 14 seasons as a member of the Saints, initially breaking in with the organization as an operations assistant in 2001. From there, he worked his way to scouting assistant, pro scout, director of pro scouting and finally to director of player personnel, a position he held for two years.
As NFL insider Adam Caplan noted on Twitter, Pace, 37, is now the NFL's youngest current GM.
In Pace's 13 seasons as a member of the Saints' personnel department, the team compiled a 115-93 record. Since 2006, New Orleans - thanks to the free agent additions of Drew Brees, Heath Evans, Scott Fujita, Randally Gay, Jabari Greer and trades for Jonathan Vilma and Jeremy Shockey - reached the playoffs five times, won three division titles, played in two NFC Championship Games and won the organization's first Super Bowl title.
Pace also had a hand in acquiring players like Darren Sproles and Ben Grubbs and drafting Terron Armstead, Kenny Stills, Brandin Cooks and Kenny Vaccaro.
"He is really good at what he does," Saints coach Sean Payton said about Pace last week. "He's a big part of what we do. He's very talented and I know he has been promoted here a few times, and deservedly so. I get fired up when he comes to see me first thing [in the] morning. His mind is already racing. I know he is all-in."
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said Tuesday that while he'd be upset if Pace left the team, he knows he's ready to run his own show.
"I'd hate to lose him and yet, he's ready for a general manager's job," Loomis said. "He's talented. I would expect to lose him at some point."
Here's a smattering of responses to the hiring...
Ryan Pace is a fantastic hire by the Bears. He's been ready for years but always wanted to wait for his dream spot. Great move
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 8, 2015
Ryan Pace is a major loss for the #Saints organization, the most talented young talent evaluator in the building. Great hire by Bears. — Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) January 8, 2015
Have heard nothing but positive things for quite a while about new Bears GM Ryan Pace. Bright young executive
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 8, 2015
