If the Bears stay true to form, the search for replacements for general manager Jerry Angelo and offensive coordinator Mike Martz will not be hurried.Back in 2001 the Bears retained a search firm and did their GM search in stages back. The process consisted of developing a list of 10 candidates who were given screening interviews, followed by narrowing the list to three finalists, from which Angelo was selected.Two years ago, the hunt for a successor to Ron Turner was one with more than a few turns in early 2010. Angelo at the time conducted a handful of screening interviews with NFL candidates, and he had to navigate the process through teams still being in the playoffs and not permitted to be interviewed.Angelo also had a list of three college coordinators he planned to interview seriously, but the nature of the college year and recruiting had those candidates holding Angelo off and the Bears finally went to Martz. He was under consideration early, went dormant while the Bears went through their college prospects, and then came aboard after making a trip to Tennessee to meet with quarterback Jay Cutler.Since coach Lovie Smith contractually has say-so over his staff hires, he may be in a position to hire his offensive coordinator without waiting for a general manager to be hired.And if offensive line coach Mike Tice is promoted to coordinator, that hiring time is obviously shortened to zero.
A list of general manager candidates will be emerging. The hard part will be separating smoke from fire, the real suspects from just the persons of interest.