Jan. 09--The Chicago Bears took another step in a new direction Thursday, choosing Ryan Pace to become their next general manager.
Pace will be officially introduced as the Bears' new GM at an 11 a.m. news conference Friday at Halas Hall.
Pace, 37, joins the Bears from the New Orleans Saints, where he spent the last two seasons as their director of player personnel. He spent six years before that as the Saints' director of pro scouting. After growing up in Texas, he played defensive end at Eastern Illinois from 1995-99.
Pace is charged with reinvigorating the Bears after this season's 5-11 skid. He replaces Phil Emery, who was fired by the Bears on Dec. 29 after posting a record of 23-25 in his three seasons as GM.
His first order of business will be to push the Bears forward in their ongoing search for a new head coach. The team fired Marc Trestman late last month and has since been on the hunt for a replacement, with consultant Ernie Accorsi, chairman George McCaskey and team president Ted Phillips heading the search.
The Bears interviewed Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase last weekend and have an interview scheduled for Thursday with Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.
