Imrem: Bears GM knows exactly what to say - and not say

Ryan Pace has been the Bears' general manager for nearly two full days now and hasn't done anything to turn off the faithful.

In fact, Pace still looks as young and new and fresh-faced as every mother's son.

Whew!

Pace didn't walk into his introductory news conference Friday wearing goofy eyeglasses or an odd haircut.

The Bears' new GM did say a few things that raised eyebrows - he's sure media members are Bears' fans - but they were mild missteps for Halas Hall.

The standard for new Bears' management types isn't very high: Just don't be strange.

Pace, previously New Orleans' director of player personnel, passed the most important test.

Not once did he say, "Jay is our quarterback."

Whew!

Ryan Pace didn't say that Jay Cutler isn't the Bears' quarterback either. He tap danced around the issue well enough to not offend.

Pace was allowed to be vague: "I want to talk with him before drawing a conclusion."

What else could he say? Blurting that he liked Cutler would anger fans; blurting that he didn't would reduce the chances of trading him.

Then there was Ted Phillips, the demonized Bears president who all but declared that he's still in charge.

Pace flattered Phillips. He said he reminded him of his buddy, Saints' general manager Mickey Loomis.

What else could Pace say? That the man he has to report to is a buffoon?

First of all, Ted Phillips isn't a buffoon. Second of all, Pace is smart enough to know that there's no future in offending the powers at Halas Hall.

So it's good to know Pace isn't a dummy. He is prepared to work well with others, which brings us to the person with whom he'll have to work closest.

Pace said that his first assignment as a first-time NFL general manager will be to hire a head coach.

Whew!

Thank goodness Pace didn't say it was to find a good dry cleaner in Lake Forest or a good tofu burger in Vernon Hills.

No, Pace said he will lean on Bears consultant Ernie Accorsi for direction. That right there is another reason to continue giving the man at least a little time to prove or disprove himself.

Pace, 37, didn't shy away from the fact he has a lot to learn as the NFL's youngest general manager.

Instead, he conceded that he's a talent scout who will work hard at learning other aspects of the job, such as managing the salary cap.

Portraying himself as a know-it-all right from the start would have put off some people. Acknowledging what he is - an inexperienced GM intent on becoming experienced - is the right way to go.

Whew!

Pace's initial media briefing wasn't very revealing. He stated the obvious that all general managers are obligated to say when they arrive.

The Bears' next head coach, Pace said, will have to "adjust to his players"; players must have "discipline, toughness, instincts and intelligence"; the plan is to "build through the draft."

Whew!

Thank goodness Pace didn't say a coach will have to adjust to his horoscope, players will have to wear tutus, and the plan is to build through fire sales at J.C. Penney.

Pace is likable - something in short supply at Halas Hall - and hasn't done anything unlikeable during his nearly two days as the Bears' general manager.

Whew! Whew! Whew!

However, Ryan Pace should be aware that Bears fans take their general managers one day at a time.

mimrem@dailyherald.com