Aside from NFL head coaches, general managers are also getting the boot.
Interestingly, both GMs fired were from the NFC North.
The Minnesota Vikings let go of Rick Spielman while the Chicago Bears released Ryan Pace.
MNF's Louis Riddick reacting to the firing of Ryan Pace on @dpshow
"That's what they needed to do. I do believe that that becomes job number one that people would want. I believe that become job number one because of Justin Fields."
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) January 11, 2022
While he had a list of blunders, Spielman gets the credit for bringing Kirk Cousins to Minnesota while drafting Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson.
On the other hand, Pace has a long list of transgressions that Bears fans won’t ever forget.
Now that he’s not calling the shots anymore, a new era begins in the Windy City.
As his era ends, here are Pace’s decisions that will be hard to forgive.
3. Releasing Kyle Fuller
The Bears allowed the third-fewest yards during the regular season at 191.6 per game.
However, they are at the bottom half of the standings in points per game at 23.9.
Despite those numbers, no one from Jaylon Johnson, Duke Shelley, Kindle Vildor, and Thomas Graham Jr. can match what Kyle Fuller brought to the table.
Fuller’s numbers declined during his final year with the Bears, but it doesn’t mean he wasn’t productive anymore.
The #Bears are 48-64 under Ryan Pace. The organization has finished above .500 only ONCE during his 7 year tenure. How can you let him keep shopping for the groceries or promote him? Can you answer that? The issues over the last 4 years, doesn’t all fall on Matt Nagy. #NFL
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) January 10, 2022
If the Bears wanted to save money by releasing the All-Pro cornerback, they should have chosen Jimmy Graham instead.
Worst, Pace used the money saved from letting go of Fuller by signing Andy Dalton, which makes no sense, considering they had Nick Foles and Justin Fields.
Until the Bears can find a solution in the secondary, Fuller’s departure will haunt them for a while.
2. Drafting Kevin White
Kevin White was one of the top wide receiver prospects during the 2015 NFL Draft.
By that time, he played two years at West Virginia and became Second-Team AP All American the year before.
Therefore, the Bears had high hopes when they drafted him with the seventh overall pick.
Unfortunately, injuries derailed his career.
He did not play during his rookie year because of a stress fracture in his shin.
I talked to a former #NFL head coach last night & he said the #Bears will have no chance of hiring any big named HC if Ryan Pace is the GM or President of football ops. cc @WaddleandSilvy
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) January 6, 2022
He played only four games a year later after fracturing the fibula on his left leg.
White was on injured reserve again after a shoulder blade injury in his third year.
Eventually, the Bears did not pick up his fifth-year option.
The Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and New Orleans Saints all tried to see if there’s something left in him.
Sadly, he did not last long in all those stints.
When the Bears drafted White, Tyler Lockett, Stefon Diggs, and Darren Waller were still available.
1. Drafting Mitchell Trubisky
Mitchell Trubisky did lead the Bears to two playoff appearances but failed to win a game.
He’s not the worst option at quarterback, but Bears fans will forever speculate on what could have been in the 2017 draft.
Eight picks after Trubisky, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Patrick Mahomes.
Two picks later, the Houston Texans chose Deshaun Watson.
You think Spielman is bad? Ryan Pace drafted Mitch Trubisky, gave the house away for Kahlil Mack, passed on Pat Mahomes and Deseaun Watson, had 10 TEs in his roster at one point.. and gave Mike Glennon $15M once!! #DaBears pic.twitter.com/rPBO7YHEoZ
— Rick Sosa (@sosarick) January 4, 2022
Watson is a Pro Bowler and passing yards leader for one season.
On the other hand, Mahomes led the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl LIV and won league and Super Bowl MVP awards.
The Bears did not re-sign him after four seasons, and he’s now Josh Allen’s backup with the Buffalo Bills.
NEXT: NFL World Reacts To The Bears Regime Change