For Emery - no coach is off limits - the price tag be damned

**JustAnotherBearsFan99** · 01-01-2013, 01:19 PM

More, from George M.

LINK to the article

chicagotribune.com

McCaskey: Money no factor in coach search

By Dan Pompei, Tribune reporter

12:28 PM CST, January 1, 2013

The Chicago Bears will not shy away from pursuing a coach just because he carries a high price tag, according to chairman of the board George McCaskey.

"Money was never a consideration, and it’s not going to be a consideration," McCaskey said Tuesday. "Our goal is to get the best guy for the Chicago Bears, and that’s what we’re going to do. When we find the guy we want, we’ll hire him."

McCaskey also talked about how difficult it was for him to say good-bye to fired coach Lovie Smith.

"Our family has high regard for Lovie," McCaskey said. "He’s been high character all the way through. He’s represented the Bears very well, and he’s a good coach. I’m most grateful for Lovie teaching our football players how to become men. He came in yesterday and it was an emotional situation. I know I was struggling to keep my emotions in check."

McCaskey said he did not regret allowing Smith to return last season, and he did not consider 2012 a lost season.

"Looking back on it, (team president) Ted (Phillips) and I thought it was the right decision to make at the time. Lovie deserved another year. (General manager) Phil (Emery) was fine with that and he had a fine working relationship with Lovie."

McCaskey said his mother Virginia McCaskey, the principal owner of the Bears, was kept abreast of discussions about Smith’s future between him and Phillips and Emery.

“We all support Phil’s decision,” George McCaskey said.

McCaskey also offered endorsements for Emery and Jay Cutler.

Of Emery, he said, "We’re very confident in Phil. He’s done an outstanding job since he’s been here. Ted and I have complete faith in him. Our family has complete faith in him."

He called Cutler "the most talented quarterback the Bears have had here in the last 60 years," and compared his leadership skills to those of George Halas.

"I think he’s an outstanding leader," McCaskey said. "He reminds me a lot of George Halas as a player. Outstanding competitor, toughness and will do anything to win."

dpompei@tribune.com

**The Benjamin** · 01-01-2013, 01:24 PM

I do not care who the coach is. As long as he gets the most out of his players, and they play their ass of for them.

Sounds familiar eh?

**mdbearz** · 01-01-2013, 02:28 PM

I'm excited about the HC, search.

What I am worried about is seeing the top choices go to other teams -mainly because of the type of Defense we run, and that we have the worst o-line in the league.

It is good to see that it will not be a best-value (cheapest guy) search.

**The Benjamin** · 01-01-2013, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by mdbearz

I'm excited about the HC, search.

What I am worried about is seeing the top choices go to other teams -mainly because of the type of Defense we run, and that we have the worst o-line in the league.

It is good to see that it will not be a best-value (cheapest guy) search.

Some might not want to work with Cutler either. His reputation as a coach killer precedes him

**bearsinhouston** · 01-01-2013, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by mdbearz

I'm excited about the HC, search.

What I am worried about is seeing the top choices go to other teams -mainly because of the type of Defense we run, and that we have the worst o-line in the league.

It is good to see that it will not be a best-value (cheapest guy) search.

This team has lots of talent on it - even on offense. It has been a top defense with Marinelli at the helm. I would think that a top offensive mind would relish the opportunity to come in and use his knowledge to create a dynamic O to go with the D the team has. Look at the other teams that have let go their coaches. Where would you go? I think we have as good a shot as anyone for the top coaching talent available. We just need someone that can determine who that is.

**Ski-Whiz** · 01-01-2013, 02:48 PM

I like the way they are talking about this, but I still have the gut feeling that its a dog and pony show.

What does make this seem different is because we've spent good money on players which is unlike the Bears.

What does worry me, is that we're talking to special team coaches, and even OC's. I'd really like to see someone who's got experience. Not someone who hasn't coached jack.

Either way it's going to be interesting this off season.

I'm also with Metalman, I actually trust that Emery will make the decision based on chances of winning vice price tag.

**bearsinhouston** · 01-01-2013, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by Ski-Whiz

I like the way they are talking about this, but I still have the gut feeling that its a dog and pony show.

What does make this seem different is because we've spent good money on players which is unlike the Bears.

What does worry me, is that we're talking to special team coaches, and even OC's. I'd really like to see someone who's got experience. Not someone who hasn't coached jack.

Either way it's going to be interesting this off season.

I'm also with Metalman, I actually trust that Emery will make the decision based on chances of winning vice price tag.

Well, on a superficial level, I agree. I mean, I want a guy that has a proven record of winning superbowls also. But when you dig down a little bit, who is there available that is not coaching (someone we could get)? just a handful of people, and some of them have not coached in a while. Not to say they couldn't again, but you have to consider that. I hope he does take a look at Holmgren, etc., but sometimes the gems are in the college and OC ranks. Take a look at Harbaugh. Not saying that is definitely the way to go, but I think you evaluate a persons success, leadership, creativity, ask them what they would do with the Bears right now and then make the best decision you can. The chin is not a lock on another SB either. I bet it takes Harbaugh less time to get his ring than it took the chin. Some of the best coordinator talent will still be competing in the offseason, so while I'd like to see him pick someone soon, I am not going to panic until the offseason is over. Personally, I think we will know in a few weeks or less.

You just have to get the right people. I truly hope that Emery can do that. The man strikes me as really being able to evaluate the alternatives. That does not guarantee success, but it does give you the best realistic shot at success.

I'm just excited about the opportunity to take it up a notch and look forward to things happening.

**mdbearz** · 01-01-2013, 03:05 PM

What if the new coach wants to change the defense?

If the new HC has a defensive coordinator that must be a part of the package and he is a 3-4 type of guy.

I'm not keen about that but if we really want to avoid eliminating any of the top propects, we must be willing to turn the entire team over to him and his staff, that includes the defense.

**GermansbombedPH** · 01-01-2013, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by mdbearz

What if the new coach wants to change the defense?

If the new HC has a defensive coordinator that must be a part of the package and he is a 3-4 type of guy.

I'm not keen about that but if we really want to avoid eliminating any of the top propects, we must be willing to turn the entire team over to him and his staff, that includes the defense.

Melton, Peppers and Paea could play ends
Briggs ILB
Shea and Wooton as OLBs

What we would need all of a sudden is a DT, not a MLB that much.

good that this will not end up as sorry we can't hire you, you asked for 3 million or more

**Ski-Whiz** · 01-01-2013, 03:20 PM

I don't think a HC has to have a Super Bowl win under their belt.

I just think someone who has had mild success in the NFL is what I'd like to see. Not someone who hasn't had the keys to the car.

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