Phil Emery Reported As Leading Candidate for Bears' GM Position

by Steven Schweickert on Jan 21, 2012 3:00 PM CST in News

Earlier today, Sean Jensen reported that according to the "hunches of three league sources," Phil Emery is the leading candidate to replace Jerry Angelo.

I kid you not, those were the exact words he used.

Among the reasons cited are his similar profile to Ted Thompson, his work ethic, his familiarity with the current existing scouting staff, and his tendency to not reveal much to the media.

It's important to note that two of the Bears' interviewees this week - the Patriots' Jason Licht and the Giants' Marc Ross - are still in the playoffs. Without the team's permission they couldn't be named as GM until their teams are eliminated, and both are apparently still in the running.

I really don't have much of an opinion here as to who I'd prefer the team name as GM, but Emery doesn't sound like he'd be a bad pickup. I'm a little surprised to see they aren't interviewing any additional candidates, but if they feel like one of the five is their man, well, they're more experienced in running an NFL franchise than I am.

I do admit I wish Emery had a little more experience in other areas of running a team - in each of his 14 years in the NFL, he's either been a scout or the Director of College Scouting - but at least that means he should have a clear advantage in the draft. (Or more like he knows college football exists outside of Abilene Christian.)

So what do you think? Would you be satisfied with Phil Emery as Bears' GM? (h/t to MWM54 for FanShotting last night.)

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Comments

Satisfied? Yeah, but that's coming from a Bears fan who has endured the draft ineptitude of Jerry Angelo.

"With all due respect, and I mean with ALL due respect...that idea ain't worth a velvet paintin' of a whale and a dolphin gettin' it on."

by CurtisEnisFan on Jan 21, 2012 3:06 PM CST reply actions

hunches of three

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Jan 21, 2012 3:14 PM CST reply actions

Hunches of three???...

wasn’t that Quasimodo’s nickname at Notre Dame?

There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!

by LostInSTL on Jan 21, 2012 6:12 PM CST up reply actions

I agree with CurtisEnisFan

At this point, I would take anyone but Jerry Angelo. Well not anyone, but anyone with better drafting skills.

Wouldnt it be funny if we had another DE with the last name Salters!

by fortefan09 on Jan 21, 2012 3:30 PM CST reply actions

Hey what about

my prediction!! That didnt make the post!!…..Shesh…..

"Outside of the sacks we have one of the better Offensive Lines in the NFL....."

- Jerry Angelo on the Offensive Line

by CloudyFuture on Jan 21, 2012 3:32 PM CST reply actions

I guess technically, I could have cited a source that claimed Emery would be named GM by Monday.

That REALLY would have sent Ed into a tizzy.

Weekend contributor and official editorial lackey/waitstaff at Windy City Gridiron
If a people-avoiding gaming hermit is on Twitter, I should be too. Follow me!

by Steven Schweickert on Jan 21, 2012 4:10 PM CST up reply actions

Dooooooo It!

by David in Maine on Jan 21, 2012 4:15 PM CST up reply actions

so far I yawned a couple of times

if you count cloudyfuture would you have four hunches by insiders?

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Jan 21, 2012 5:01 PM CST up reply actions

I'd prefer Ross or Licht over Emery but don't think it would be bad

PFT had a post mentioning Emery’s past history both with the Bears (1998-2004) and Ruskell (during their Atlanta years). Also, I think Steve needs to send his draft value chart to Phillips.

If its free, take two.

by T.J. Shouse on Jan 21, 2012 3:38 PM CST reply actions

I wouldn't mind this

I would prefer Raye or Ross but Emery is solid.

by Joeb'n777 on Jan 21, 2012 4:38 PM CST via mobile reply actions

This guy's drafts have not been that bad at all

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders

It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!

~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders

At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool

by suckmyditka on Jan 21, 2012 5:08 PM CST reply actions

could you post a link

please

by TR MacReady on Jan 21, 2012 5:11 PM CST up reply actions

Link

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders

It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!

~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders

At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool

by suckmyditka on Jan 21, 2012 6:01 PM CST up reply actions

Correct.

And in the off-chance that Dwayne Bowe were to not be franchised (I bet he gets franchised), one of the guys who helped bring him into the league might get the benefit of him signing with his new team.

That’s a pipe dream, though. Hope you’re ready for Knox, Bennett, Sanzenbacher.

Took the 'G' out your waffle, all you got left is your Ego.

Editor at windycitygridiron.com | @Kev_WCG

by Kev H on Jan 21, 2012 6:12 PM CST up reply actions

Assuming Knox can go at all...

he’s no sure thing either.

There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!

by LostInSTL on Jan 21, 2012 6:13 PM CST up reply actions

Thats what Ive been saying

Even IF he does come back, I have a hard time believing he will get back to where he was

by Joeb'n777 on Jan 21, 2012 6:27 PM CST up reply actions

you mean back to

a fast receiver who isn’t a down field threat, drops passes, runs bad routes, doesn’t fight for the ball, and lead the league in INTs per target?

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders

It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!

~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders

At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool

by suckmyditka on Jan 21, 2012 7:04 PM CST up reply actions

THANK YOU WISE ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Knox is just not good……

by C-Razzle on Jan 21, 2012 7:12 PM CST up reply actions

agreed.

I think Emery would be a very solid higher .

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders

It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!

~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders

At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool

by suckmyditka on Jan 21, 2012 6:16 PM CST up reply actions

Speaking of being higher...

????

There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!

by LostInSTL on Jan 21, 2012 6:18 PM CST up reply actions

lol

by Joeb'n777 on Jan 21, 2012 6:28 PM CST up reply actions

teehee

Hire

doh

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders

It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!

~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders

At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool

by suckmyditka on Jan 21, 2012 6:34 PM CST up reply actions

i like ross, then emery

i really dont want licht, or raye

by TR MacReady on Jan 21, 2012 6:19 PM CST up reply actions

Carr would be the franchised guy.

by Shuggs on Jan 21, 2012 7:51 PM CST up reply actions

Jensen

said he polled a large group of GMs, scouts and NFL team presidents just after Angelo was fired to see who the top candidates should be. Each one gave a list of several guys. Not a single one listed Emery as a good candidate. Also, Hub Arkush (like him or not, he’s the most plugged in of any Chicago media member) said that Emery shouldn’t be a GM candidate.

I don’t generally give the Bears any credit for making good decisions. Since Emery is probably the least qualified to be a GM on the Bears’ list of 5, I would normally think they’d choose him.

However, Lovie seems to want Ross. And many of the board members want Ruskell. So I doubt they go with Emery, even though he’s the worst choice and that’s usually what they’d do. They might have brought him in as a favor for previous service to get his name out there.

My guess, they hire Ross to be GM, retain Ruskell as assistant GM and director of pro personnel, and keep Stein as negotiator.

by tomas21 on Jan 21, 2012 5:38 PM CST reply actions

how do u know lovie wants ross? lol

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders

It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!

~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders

At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool

by suckmyditka on Jan 21, 2012 5:59 PM CST up reply actions

You don't second guess

his gut feelings.

Took the 'G' out your waffle, all you got left is your Ego.

Editor at windycitygridiron.com | @Kev_WCG

by Kev H on Jan 21, 2012 6:07 PM CST up reply actions

I would second guess a dictionary

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders

It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!

~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders

At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool

by suckmyditka on Jan 21, 2012 6:17 PM CST up reply actions

Because he said Lovie seems to want Ross.

That isn’t proof enough for you?

Above all; keep 'em guessing, never let them lose their sense of confusion.

by Just Dave on Jan 21, 2012 9:18 PM CST up reply actions

Get him Ed

by Joeb'n777 on Jan 21, 2012 9:33 PM CST up reply actions

I have seems in one hand and hunches in the other

and they both smell the same to me.

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Jan 21, 2012 11:25 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry, late to the party.

But, a couple questions:

1- How do you know Lovie wants Ross?

2- Which board members wants Ruskell?

And also, I definitely lend credence to the Arkush family’s ties to the Bears, but saying that Hub is the most plugged in media guy is silly. He was basically excommunicated by the McCaskey family, and is simply an analyst at this point (again, he’s great at providing insight)… Biggs and Mullin are much more plugged-in than Hub. Hell, even McClure has gotten better-connected in the last couple years.

I'm a ninja.

by Dane Noble on Jan 22, 2012 12:40 AM CST up reply actions

I read

somewhere that Lovie liked Ross and was pushing for him. I can’t remember where.

I have a god friend who is really plugged in to Bears matters. His family runs in the same social circles as many of the board members, so he gets opinions of board members about things like that.

I was referring more to Hub being nationally plugged in by virtue of his family and Pro Football Weekly. He probably has a better sense of these candidates and their national reputation than any of the local guys. You are right that he’s not as plugged in locally, though I bet he’s still got friends on the inside. Jensen is probably the most plugged in with the Bears of the “outside” local reporters, but I think Pompeii got get a lot of stuff from Angelo, and I think Moon gets info from the Bears.

by tomas21 on Jan 22, 2012 8:59 AM CST up reply actions

so your sources are

1. I don’t remember

2. A friend

Nice work son.

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders

It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!

~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders

At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool

by suckmyditka on Jan 22, 2012 10:07 PM CST up reply actions

I'm warming up to Emery

He’s had some big draft picks- Roddy White, Eric Berry, Dwayne Bowe, Blaylock, etc. His resume is as good as any of the candidates. I heard from a friend today that Ross is an egomaniac. Might be the reason the Colts passed on him.

"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct

by propheteer on Jan 21, 2012 9:41 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions

Meanwhile at Halas Hall

“for GM, magic 8 ball says….”

by dicksingletary on Jan 21, 2012 10:33 PM CST via mobile reply actions

the magic 8 ball would make a great nick name for Ted Phillips

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Jan 21, 2012 11:27 PM CST up reply actions

the magic meatball sounds better

by stepeo on Jan 21, 2012 11:55 PM CST up reply actions

There's nothing magical about Ted Phillips

more like accursed (for Bears fans)

by Gaak on Jan 22, 2012 6:14 AM CST up reply actions

I would be for the Emery hire if it does indeed happen

Both Ted Phillips and George McCaskey said from the beginning that the new GM must be a good evaluator of talent. Emery has played a role in some pretty solid drafts with a good sized list of notable players, where one of them happens to (still) play for the Bears, Brian Urlacher. And here is an interesting fact, everywhere he has been (Chicago,Atlanta,KC) those teams featured at least 1 pro bowl caliber receiver. Chicago had Marty Booker, Atlanta has Roddy White, and KC has Dwayne Bowe.

Now in saying all of this, he is no sure fired candidate as a GM. Where he has been publicly praised by his boss in KC, and compared by some to Ted Thompson, there are members in the media who believe he is not cut out to be a GM. It’s mostly he said-she said type stuff, so I’m not going to place my bets on those statements. Regardless, we need a GM who has had real and consistent success with the draft, Phil Emery has certainly done so.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 22, 2012 7:53 AM CST reply actions

I completely agree

Since when does media banter produce teams with good GM candidates?

Emery’s hard scouting work has produced many All-Pros.

"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct

by propheteer on Jan 22, 2012 10:09 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions

Honestly

I like the guy he’s my first choice

Ross just seems like he’s not qualified enough.

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders

It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!

~"Smile when u being attacked,laugh when they talking boutcha,wave when they hating on u and Pray when they leave u alone Somethings wrong!"~ Deion Sanders

At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool

by suckmyditka on Jan 22, 2012 10:09 PM CST up reply actions