advertisement

New Bears GM: We have a very good core

Calling his character and credentials “impeccable,” Bears CEO and president Ted Phillips introduced Phil Emery on Monday afternoon as the fifth general manager in Bears history.

“I know we found the right guy,” Phillips said, acknowledging the experience Emery has obtained in 14 years in the NFL and even more in the college ranks.

Emery, 53, was hired Saturday to replace Jerry Angelo, who was fired after 11 seasons with the Bears. Emery has 14 years of experience scouting college football talent, most recently with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons.

“It's the best ownership group in the league,” Emery said in his opening statement. “I'm very pumped up about this opportunity to lead this franchise.”

Emery said the interview process with the Bears took 15 hours, and he appreciated the thoroughness is gave him to make the decision to join the Bears.

“I have a very good feel for where this team is at,” Emery said. “This team has a very good core of playmaking players.”

Before the 2 p.m. news conference, several media outlets were reporting the Bears and player personnel director Tim Ruskell had mutually agreed to part ways. Ruskell was a close associate of Angelo, and the Bears are expected to hire two people to fill the roles of director of college scouting and the director of pro personnel.

ŸBob LeGere will have more from the first news conference with Bears GM Phil Emery later today. Follow Bob's reports via Twitter @BobLeGere and check out our Bear Essentials blog at dailyherald.com.

Will Super Bowl star be born?

Credibility points sorely lacking

Emery’s path to Bears GM