Chicago Bears fire Tim Ruskell as new GM takes on role - NFL News
Chicago Bears formally introduced on Monday, January 30th, 2012 their new general manager, Phil Emery.
Emery has decided to part ways with interim general manager, Tim Ruskell, who took over the role when ex-general manager, Jerry Angelo was fired at the end of the season.
Ruskell joined the Chicago Bears in 2009 when he was fired from the role of general manager and President at the Seattle Seahawks after the franchise had four poor seasons under his leadership.
The Seahawks made it to Super Bowl XL in Ruskell’s first year in-charge but subsequent years saw poor picks and underperforming stars bring the Seahawks down to mediocrity.
General Manager Jerry Angelo brought in Ruskell to become the Director of player personnel at Chicago and he played a pivotal role in identifying prospects for the Bears in the drafts.
Angelo was fired this year at the end of the regular season by President Ted Phillips after Chicago missed out on the playoffs along with offensive coordinator Mike Martz and quarterbacks coach Shane Day.
Phillips promoted Ruskell to the position of general manager for the interim until a new hiring could be made. He was also one of the five considered for the permanent role.
As the Bears selected their final two candidates for second interviews, the names did not include Ruskell and the writing was on the wall for the interim general manager.
With Emery being confirmed in the role of general manager, Bears decided that the time was right to let go of Ruskell since Emery did not envisage any position under his regime for Ruskell.
President Ted Phillips said of the decision during Emery’s introductory press conference.
"They decided to part ways," according to Phillips, "it was only fair to Tim that we addressed whether he'd have an opportunity here under Phil."
Ruskell’s removal from the franchise’s hierarchy has been met by positive responses from Chicago’s fan following since they believed that he was too close to Angelo’s philosophy which they blame for the spectacular collapse of the 2011-12 season.
With Ruskell out the Bears are starting anew and fans will hope that the new general manager will let go of some of the dead weight in the roster and bring in talent that will return Chicago among the elite of the National Football League (NFL).
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