Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace: Impressions Thus Far

The off-season, training camp and preseason are in the rearview mirror.  All eyes are focused on opening day when the Chicago Bears get their first chance at avenging their humiliating 55-14 defeat against the Green Bay Packers from last year.  GM Ryan Pace has done everything he can to get them ready.

Based on all the moves that were made (and not made) since he took over in the winter, what can be said about the 37-year old?  Here is a rundown of his operations thus far.

Coaching Hires

Sep 3, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox after the game at Soldier Field. Chicago Bears defeat the Cleveland Browns 24-0. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

• John Fox (Head coach)
• Vic Fangio (Defensive Coordinator)
• Adam Gase (Offensive Coordinator)
• Jeff Rodgers (Special Teams Coordinator)

Two things that stick out about this staff are familiarity and experience.  Fox, Gase, and Rodgers all worked together in Denver prior to arriving in Chicago.  They know each other already and that should lead to fewer problems with miscommunication.  Fangio is the only stranger.

Fox and Fangio have both been around pro football since the 1980s as assistants.  Fox has held the head position since 2002 and reached two Super Bowls in the process.  Fangio has overseen six top 10 defenses since first earning that position back in 1995.  Gase is the youngster of the group but considered rising star who oversaw the most prolific offense in league history (2013 Broncos = 606 points scored).

Rodgers spent four years coaching the special teams in Denver, during which time his units finished in the top 20 twice.

All around this is quite a solid cast of hires for Pace just based on accomplishment.

Next: Trades