Sources: Tim Ruskell could be named permanent Chicago Bears General Manager - NFL News Update
The Chicago Bears made some big changes in their management department after an ignominious end to the 2011 regular season, which resulted in the firing of general manager, Jerry Angelo, and replacing him with Tim Ruskell on an interim basis.
Angelo’s sacking was announced by team President, Ted Phillips, on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, in a press conference in which the Bears also announced parting ways with two-year offensive coordinator, Mike Martz, and quarterbacks' coach, Shane Day.
Tim Ruskell was promoted from his previous job as player personnel director.
Sources close to the Bears are revealing that it is highly likely that Ruskell will be made the permanent general manager of the Bears since he is already well assimilated into the franchise’s structure and shares a good relationship with head coach, Lovie
Smith.
Ruskell has previous experience of being a general manager with the Seattle Seahawks and was in the position for five years.
He was also a GM with Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his choices of bringing in players were critical in the team’s Super Bowl winning season in 2002, converting a poor team into one of the elites.
Ruskell was brought into the Bears' management by the outgoing Jerry Angelo in 2010, and since there is no news of any other names yet, Ruskell’s appointment is more likely.
Ted Phillips has a candidate who has previous experience in the job and has a working relationship with the rest of the stakeholders, making it an added advantage over bringing someone new.
The Chicago Bears had a complete rollercoaster of a season this year.
By week 11, the Bears were 7-3 and on the way to make it to the playoff rounds but injury to quarterback, Jay Cutler, and running back, Matt Forte, damaged their chances of securing a playoff spot.
The players who replaced both, Cutler and Forte, were not up to the task, leading to five straight defeats for the Bears as the team ended the season with a poor 8-8 record.
Quarterback, Caleb Hanie, who started in place of Cutler, was woeful in all four games he started.
Hanie threw just three passing touchdowns, while also throwing nine interceptions.
The rebuilding phase has begun for Bears and whether it is Ruskell or someone else, the decision has to be made soon so that the Bears can be fully prepared for the upcoming 2012 season, which will be a make it or break it for coach, Lovie Smith.
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