George McCaskey
was announced as the successor to his older brother
Michael
on Wednesday, and general manager
Jerry Angelo
hinted at more changes on his side of Halas Hall following the draft.
Angelo fired pro personnel director
Bobby DePaul
in February and there has been speculation since that college scouting director
Greg Gabriel
, whose contract runs through next month, could be in jeopardy.
“After this draft I said that we are going to do some restructuring,” Angelo said. “I have some thoughts, I have some scenarios that I have in my mind, but my focus is that we have been very busy in free agency, very busy in the draft. If and when we have something to announce, we’ll announce it.”
He declined to say whether or not he intends to hire his longtime friend
Tim Ruskell
as a director of personnel. Ruskell was ousted as the general manager of the Seahawks in December.
One league source speculated the Bears are waiting for DePaul’s contract to expire next month to add Ruskell.
Similarly, Gabriel is under contract through next month.
Win or else:
The impression is Angelo and coach
Lovie Smith
are in this thing together this year in what amounts to a must-win season following the meeting the leaders had with President
Ted Phillips
following last season.
“This is a real important year, but we have all the confidence in the world in both men,” Michael McCaskey said. “They got us to one Super Bowl. I think they can get us to another Super Bowl and that’s what I look forward to doing.”
The
invested more than $55 million guaranteed in three free agents — defensive end
Julius Peppers
, running back
Chester Taylor
and tight end
Brandon Manumaleuna
, the kind of spending spree that required an OK from ownership.
“It’s a challenge, but if you’re going to compete for the championship, you have to have the best players you can, so it’s worth doing,” Michael McCaskey said.
Safe spot:
Angelo said left cornerback
Charles Tillman
will remain there and not move to safety with an eye toward preserving him.
He’s had two shoulder and two back surgeries in recent years and playing safety could expose him to more injuries.
