I think since the Super Bowl year theres been 45 different starting quarterbacks. Bears owner George McCaskey was asked about QB Justin Fields and began his answer with, "I'm just a fan; I'm not a football evaluator", "I'm just a fan, not a football evaluator", this was literally just said by George McCaskey, who is the chairman of the FREAKING CHICAGO BEARS, "I'm just a fan, not a football evaluator." In the middle of the Bears exploration of building a new stadium and entertainment complex in Arlington Heights, the team also is searching for a new president. That played a little bit of a role in my decision to retire. Bears Chairman George McCaskey and Phillips sat down Friday with the Tribune and a reporter from the Chicago Sun-Times to address some of the many questions that come with such a search. The situations arent remotely similar. What Im happy about is that we have good people here internally who have been involved in the Arlington project, so assuming we close, assuming we develop it, there are a lot of people with expertise here, and obviously whoever that new CEO is, Ill sit down with him, talk to him, explain all the ins and outs of what weve been going through. Perhaps if McCaskey had spoken publicly before Thanksgiving to make it clear Nagy hadnt been fired yet, then he could have addressed the issue with Nagys son when it was timely, instead of awkwardly forcing it into an opening statement nearly two months later. The fact that it was part of a pre-written statement made it even worse. Ive promised George that, so I have no problem doing that. Bears quarterback Justin Fields keeps the ball for a rushing touchdown in the second quarter against the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Nov. 20, 2022. "[2], McCaskey is the second-highest figure in the Bears organization below his mother Virginia, with team president and CEO Ted Phillips reporting to him. And thats what happened in 2015 when GM-candidate Chris Ballard wanted to make changes in the organization and McCaskey/Phillips instead hired Pace. Phillips: Not so much for Halas Hall but for the family, I do, yes. Click here for a full recap.). Bears chairman George McCaskey just quoted Bears owner Virginia McCaskey "I'm very, very disappointed" and said she said it "as only a mother could. The Bears next GM will report directly to McCaskey instead of to Phillips, who will be preoccupied with the teams Arlington Heights stadium site. Its going to be whenever the timing is right. FILE - Chicago Bears President and CEO Ted Phillips talks to media after a news conference in Lake Forest, Ill., Jan. 9, 2015. I havent had a general manager report to me, so Ive got a lot to learn in that regard, he said. By Patrick Finley Jan 14, 2021, 3:15pm PST George McCaskey knew Bears fans would hate his decision he did it anyway Pocket Reddit We established a rapport very early on with them. I dont think theres anything magical about a so-called football czar, McCaskey said. Bears quarterback Justin Fields keeps the ball for a rushing touchdown in the second quarter against the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Nov. 20, 2022. exploration of building a new stadium and entertainment complex. In the face of idle threats to force the team to fire Ted Phillips, McCaskey took the time to acknowledge this fans grievances. Dan Bernstein (@dan_bernstein) January 10, 2022, I know George McCaskey thinks hes doing himself a favor by repeatedly stating he doesnt want to be involved with football decisions or evaluations but Its a really bad look. Its been a great team effort. All Bears fans were hoping to hear from McCaskey Monday was an admission that the status quo isnt cutting it. So we need to get better. Am I disappointed? You dont get the whole story. Theres no limitation on college or pro, offense or defense. Ted Phillips was named President and Chief Executive Officer on February 10, 1999. McCaskey made a rare appearance in front of reporters on Monday to discuss the changes. Ted, what do you think the Bears need in your replacement? Poles, 36, completed his 13th season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021, and his first as the clubs Executive Director of Player Personnel. Here's the latest from NBC Sports Chicago reporters: Ted Phillips is on the Zoom call and will answer questions. Book George McCaskey for your Virtual Meeting. Unfortunately, McCaskey said very little Monday to suggest he can be that guy. So when they outline that publicly, we havent see any of the details because we told them we werent engaging in those discussions. Not everybody can do that. Now is a good time to mention that McCaskey will be leading his third general manager search and fourth head coach search since taking over as team chairman in 2011. We got TWO verys from Virginia. We assist all types of companies as well as event planners with booking athletes like George McCaskey for these virtual engagements. ", Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) January 10, 2022. And learning from mistakes. Nagys son, Brayden the one who endured the Fire Nagy chants is a junior in high school. However, he also added that Phillips will still be involved in the hiring process, so. Weve had good discussions with Nolan Partners. Spend any amount of time on Bears Twitter and you will quickly learn that many fans blame the teams lack of postseason success on ownership. The team is in escrow, which is expected to close before Phillips retires. Right now, the Bears dont need a fan running the show. "He gave me a lot of great advice about how to carry yourself, things that hes learned from the years there. McCaskey has never seen the need for actual football guy to oversee the GM, despite the well-documented, flawed evaluation of Mitchell Trubisky in 2017. The Chicago Bearsannounced both head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace were relieved of their duties. View George McCaskey's record in Kingston, IL including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. Weve been very candid with them. George McCaskey has accomplished what I thought was impossible. Contact Athlete Speakers today at 800-916-6008 to book George McCaskey for a virtual event, virtual meeting, virtual appearance, virtual keynote speaking engagement, webinar, video conference or Zoom meeting. At that point, they'll determine if it financial feasible to develop it further. Clearly, there was no need for someone to suggest to former GM Ryan Pace that he might want to circle back with Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes one more time. If you locked a group of brilliant-minded, super genius-level scientists into a giant laboratory with no expenses spared and asked them to create the worst possible person to be put in charge of hiring an NFL general manager and an NFL head coach they're creating George McCaskey. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Monday, the Bears fired head coachMatt Nagy as well as general manager Ryan Pace in a series of moves that were expected and, for many fans, long overdue. What were looking for more are the qualities I recited just a moment ago. Someone who can groom younger people. Check out some of these thoughtful responses that Twitter users claim came from McCaskey himself: George Mccaskey finally responded to me after months. DeMarcus Ware and the rest of the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. And for him to rip Olin Kreutz and to call him a liar? I dont know that theres any question you could ask or any foolproof research that you could do that would answer that question. Pathetic is being kind. Whatever optimism existed after the team fired head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace quickly evaporated the moment McCaskey announced he still trusts team president Ted Phillips implicitly.. McCaskey: Well, Im sorry to be repeating myself. Tempe AZ, Sycamore IL, Des Plaines IL, Dixon IL, George Mc Caskey, Caskey George H Mc, George Mccask, Boca Raton FL, Centerport NY, East Northport NY, George Mc Caskey, Caskey George Mc, George T Mccaskev, George T Mccoskery. And thats what happened in 2015 when GM-candidate Chris Ballard wanted to make changes in the organization and McCaskey/Phillips instead hired Pace. In recent years weve added the alternate jersey, which is really, in my view, a throwback to the 1930s when we were setting a record for most consecutive regular-season wins. Dunno that I'd lead my first presser in a year with it. Last week, Kreutz, who is an analyst for NBC Sports Chicago, revealed the Bears offered him a part-time gig to work with the offensive line in 2018 that only paid $15/hour. Over the course of the 50 years that they were there, it became less and less workable as a football venue. Id consider it. Phillips: George and I have just touched on that idea and have left the door open if it makes sense at the right time and it makes sense for the Bears and for me. Would someone who has experience in this huge undertaking of building a stadium have an appeal to you? 2022: "I am very disappointed. Our speakers bureau does not claim to exclusively represent George McCaskey. Both messages came from a genuine place, but the link between them Parker Dickerson is about the same age as Matt Nagys sons was cringeworthy. Right now, the Bears dont need a fan running the show. Thats why Phillips will be involved in yet another GM and head coaching search, despite the fact the new GM will no longer report to the team president. Change is on the way. Phillips will otherwise remain his role. His organization, his leadership. Thus, there will continue to be a lack of checks and balances above the new GM, who will continue to oversee the entire football operation, including the head coach.. He hints Phillips will shift focus to the new stadium project. Getting the run game going. The fact that it was part of a pre-written statement made it even worse. We havent designed it. And I think when it comes to uniforms, the Yankees are the Bears of Major League Baseball, if I may borrow from Jerry Reinsdorf. The Bears signed a $197.2 million purchase agreement for the former Arlington International Racecourse site last year. All Rights Reserved. Growing up, George McCaskey enjoyed his fair share of Chicago Bears football games. The change in the interview room is that weve got three new people in the room, McCaskey said, so weve got the benefit of their perspective.. . If that person didnt have that type of background, we would count on him or her to find the right people with that expertise. Grateful for the opportunities. George McCaskey's inability to recall when the Chicago Bears united with Bill Polian is peculiar. Tonight, at 6 p.m. CT, NBC Sports Chicago will air a special edition of the Football Aftershow to recap the news and what McCaskey told the media.Host David Kaplan will be joined by former Bears . It is. When people say it starts at the top, thats the top. In fact, it was his first significant order of business after a polite greeting and before launching into his prepared comments. My performance is reviewed by ownership and the board of directors and ownership has informed me it wishes me to continue in this role, McCaskey said. McCaskey has never seen the need for an actual football guy to oversee the GM, despite the well-documented, flawed evaluation of Mitchell Trubisky in 2017. Phillips: Of course it is. Phillips: Cant tell. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Another shoutout to Bill Polians book by George McCaskey. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune). (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune). If I can get to that point, then the rest of it, weve got good people that know whats happened, and Ill make sure the transition is smooth. I think weve done a good job here, and Ill use Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus as the most recent example of being told, Put together the structure you need to give yourself the best chance of success. Evaluating talent, theres an art to it. You look at the qualities of outstanding leaders, and we think were going to be able to bring in an exceptional candidate to succeed Ted and lead the Bears. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. No, he said then. ", George McCaskey: "The general manager will be responsible for the entire football operation.". All Bears fans were hoping to hear from McCaskey Monday was an admission that the status quo isnt cutting it. When an organization request booking details for a celebrity like George McCaskey, we work closely with the client to make sure the proposed dates does not interfere with the requested athletes schedule. Disclaimer: By using this website, you accept the Spokeo Terms of Use. Ill miss it. Polian is a Hall-of-Famer after hiring coaches like Marv Levy and Tony Dungy during his career. Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) January 10, 2022. And while they might still make a splashy hire at the head coach position that gets people excited, it doesnt appear that many fans are holding their breath. Phillips: Long-term renovations, yep. Pace has been GM since 2015, which includes just two playoff appearances in seven seasons. I'm just a fan. Whats especially unfortunate is that his missteps overshadowed a few legitimately positive developments with the latest GM/head coach search. When people say it starts at the top, thats the top. Some of the mistakes that were made were high-profile mistakes. During the team's press conference Tuesday to introduce new President and CEO Kevin Warren, McCaskey was asked what his message was to fans who love watching the team in Chicago. Corporate Appearances Speaking Engagements Meet & Greets Endorsements Virtual Events. So you ask about the dome proposal. To question Olin's integrity is the absolute wildest thing a human can do. For parties interested in hiring George McCaskey, we recommend filling out the booking request form so our booking agents can help with making your next event a success. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. I think about that because I got a lot of great opportunities when I was younger and through my whole career. Hopefully, weve got that right now. That's a very respected member of the team's alumni and it came off poorly. George is frustrated, and George isn't going to take it anymore. The modified organizational structure as McCaskey put it was Phillips idea, of course, an odd admission because it revealed who is still calling the shots at Halas Hall despite the subtle change. There are two constants from the Bears last GM search. And Parker is in fifth grade. Its not, of course. We do not exclusively represent anyone listed on this website. Maybe encourage past GMs to make sure theyve got the right people in place who can have a lot of influence and listen to them. George said that publicly and its Olins reputation and thats just not right.. I think right now Ryan has put together a really strong personnel department that has layers, not just of soldiers but of leaders, along with himself. Before chairman George McCaskey said the words ''Ryan Pace . Chicago mayoral rivals Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas are campaigning for Black voters ahead of the April 4 runoff. Host David Kaplan will be joined by former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt and insider Adam Hoge. George McCaskey: Weve had plenty of discussions. George Halas McCaskey is the current chairman of the National Football League's Chicago Bears. It makes me chuckle a little bit. But what about Phillips? What sort of consideration will be given to people inside the building and is there an appeal to going outside the building? Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Theres literally no diversity on the board and, apparently, little accountability. I hope he includes it in his Hall of Fame induction speech.. McCaskey even admitted that he was uncomfortable when Nagy asked him for his thoughts about making rookie quarterback Justin Fields the starter during the season. McCaskey said the message came after. FILE - Chicago Bears President and CEO Ted Phillips talks to media after a news conference in Lake Forest, Ill., Jan. 9, 2015. So whos holding them accountable? But to McCaskey, its no hard feelings. Someone who understands what it means to be a Bear. Now is a good time to mention that McCaskey will be leading his third general manager search and fourth head coach search since taking over as team chairman in 2011. What have you heard? You could be wrong 40% of the time and be in the Hall of Fame. "I have great respect for his judgement, his analytical skills, his instincts when it comes to the people that we're interviewing, and in the end, he'll be negotiating the contract of the general. [Dont miss] Going to a Chicago Bears game? Our team then works with George McCaskey's agent, manager or assistant on the booking request. Unfortunately, McCaskey said very little Monday to suggest he can be that guy. [[Dont miss] George McCaskey doesnt anticipate any change in the structure as the Chicago Bears look for a new team president. It's notable because it's McCaskey speaking and not Ted Phillips, because these decisions were under Phillips' domain. And based on the reactions from those in attendance as well as Bears fans watching from home, he did not inspire much in the way of confidence. This is our 100-year opportunity to design it for us. Copyright 2020 www.TheComeback.com - All Rights Reserved - Trademarks used herein are property of their respective owners. I have all the respect in the world for Mayor Lightfoot. Have we won enough games? George McCaskey to address media after firing Nagy, Pace originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago, (NOTE: This story was updated in real-time to reflect what is said during the 1 p.m. press conference. Hiestand even went on record in a Chicago Tribune story: I just want there to be accuracy to this. PALM BEACH, Fla. Last time Bears chairman George McCaskey attended the NFL's annual meeting three years ago because of coronavirus-related cancellations he was on top of the world. And thats why Pace and Nagy lost their jobs Monday morning. They all buy the teams they own because they are really rich fans who can afford them. A map is unveiled as planners and representatives from the Chicago Bears present their concept for building a new stadium and entertainment district on the site of Arlington International Racecourse during an informational public meeting at Hersey High School on Sept. 8, 2022. Minimizing mistakes. We think with the modification that weve made, weve got the right structure for the Bears going forward.. Did you turn over a new leaf at some point? Athlete Speakers is a leader when it comes to booking virtual events in the sports world. The move to Soldier Field in 71 was supposed to be temporary. Bears have complete faith in Ted Phillips, who gets to help pick another GM, Atlanta, the capital of failed Bears GMs, now has Ryan Pace and Phil Emery on staff, Former Bears GM Ryan Pace lands job with Falcons, Matt Eberflus influence essential as Bears GM Ryan Poles begins roster construction, Northwesterns Peter Skoronski could be a sure thing a Bears OL rarity, Jaxon Smith-Njigba wants to re-create connection with Bears QB Justin Fields, NFL Scouting Combine shifts mock draft, but Bears needs unchanged, QBs in NFL Draft in haze as Bears play poker with No. Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. New GM will have full control of football ops. As soon as new information becomes available, it will be added to this section. ", Bret Buganski (@Bret_Buganski) January 10, 2022, beautiful alley oop here pic.twitter.com/d0gcu8mNmd. McCaskey: Just like the broad scope of the search, were not going to be locked in by someones availability. They need an owner. Georges answer (basically) my mom has evaluated my job & says I can continue to do it. #Bears, Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) January 10, 2022. 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What are the biggest challenges in getting funding for this project, including public funding, and do you have confidence that funding will ultimately be obtained? I hope he includes it in his Hall of Fame induction speech.. What he doesnt seem to understand is that all owners are fans. Ted, as you reflect on your tenure, is there anything you could have done differently to set up the team for better success on the field? Good afternoon, everyone, he said. She knows we have an agreement with Churchill Downs. Thats the kind of leader that he is. But weve retained the classic look, but over the years we have made minor adjustments from time to time. I'm not a football evaluator," he said. Sounds like how Front office is organized is not changing. George Halas McCaskey became the fourth Chairman in Chicago Bears team history on May 5, 2011, following in the footsteps of grandfather, George Halas, father, Edward W. McCaskey and brother, Michael. Thus, there will continue to be a lack of checks and balances above the new GM, who will continue to oversee the entire football operation, including the head coach.. George McCaskey said the board informed him that they would like him to continue in his role as chairman. The fees listed on the speaker profile are rough estimates based on the previous market rate for the talent. When you had a GM search recently, what did you learn about the way organizations worked around the league, if anything, that might inform your president search? Ah, yes. [1][4] He was the team's senior director of ticket operations since the Bears 1991 season,[5] and was a member of the team's board of directors since 2004. If you close and get funding for the stadium, what happens to PSL (personal seat license) holders at a new stadium?