The first domino fell for the Chicago Bears yesterday when they announced the hiring of former New Orleans Saints director of player personnel, Ryan Pace, as their next general manager.
With Pace in the fold, the organizational focus now shifts to bringing onboard the man who will be tasked with taking the players that Pace hand-picks and turning them into quality, long-time NFL contributors that epitomize the Chicago Bear-way.
Pace, speaking at his introductory press conference today, said that he'll work in conjunction with others to hire the franchise's next head coach and that while he'll have ultimate say on the final 53-man roster, he views the highly collaborative relationship between GM and coach as critical to the organizations future success.
"The 53-man roster, to answer your question, yes," Pace said when asked if he has final say, per Michael David Smith of NBC Sports. "But my experience is in New Orleans, the relationship between the head coach and General Manager, that's critical. So is the head coach and the quarterback. Those are the two most important relationships in the building."
One coach currently on the unemployment line that has significant ties to Pace and could be a good fit with the Bears is former Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone.
Marrone was a member of the Saints organization along with Pace – he was the team's offensive coordinator from 2006 to 2008.
And, according to NBC Sports' Mike Florio, there is a "feeling" within the New Orleans organization that the relationship will lead to Marrone at least getting consideration for the job.
While Marrone has had his gruff personality questioned to a strange extent in the media recently, it could be the perfect type of tough, in-your-face, get it done or get out attitude the surprisingly soft Bears need from their next head coach.
