As already broken by the news, the Chicago Bears have just hired former Chiefs Director of Scouting Phil Emery after a lengthy search which included interviews with 5 candidates. It comes as no surprise to some, as he started his NFL career with the Bears in 1998 as a scout, and already had ties with the current front office. I feel this is the right decision, and I'll explain after the jump.

Phil Emery has been a part of 3 franchises who all won their division at least once while he was a part of their efforts. Those teams, in order, are the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and just recently the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition, the list of notable players that he had a hand with in scouting is, well...epic:

Chicago Bears (1998-2004): Marty Booker, Olin Kreutz, Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, Jerry Azumah, Mike Brown, Alex Brown, Tommie Harris, Nathen Vasher

Atlanta Falcons (2004-2009): John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Justin Blaylock, Tyson Claybo, Brent Grimes, Sean Weatherspoon, Roberto Garza

Kansas City Chiefs (2009-2012): Brandon Flowers, Brandon Carr, Eric Berry, Tyson Jackson, Johnathon Baldwin

Feel free to look up the drafts from each team. Notice how he's found talent throughout the draft from start to finish consistently, unlike that of Jerry Angelo who would occasionally hit one out of the park, but also whiffed harder than Frank Omiyale on first rounders. Another note, notice how many Pro Bowlers were drafted while Emery was around, compared to after he departed. While with the Bears, they drafted no fewer than 9 players who earned the honors. After he departed, only 3 players have been drafted by the Bears that went to the Pro Bowl; Devin Hester, Matt Forte, and Johnny Knox. As a matter of fact, 4 current starters that he had a hand in drafting, all happen to be playing for the Bears (Urlacher, Briggs, Tillman, Garza).

He also has been praised by one of the more respected GMs in the NFL in Scott Pioli, who was just recently quoted from the Chicago Tribune:

"He's one of the hardest workers I've ever been around," Chiefs general manger Scott Pioli said. "I can't overemphasize the hard working part. He's outstanding at his job. Detailed, meticulous, organized."

That's someone who we need running this situation, as when Jerry Angelo was running the show, everything seemed dysfunctional and unorganized. Being someone who happened to work at the U.S. Naval Academy deserves respect, to say the least. Also read from time to time that he was compared to Ted Thompson in regards to his work method and strategy. He will be more of a hands-on type GM in regards to the scouting process.

Bottom line, we needed a change in management in Chicago, and I feel he is the right change of management in Chicago. What say you?