Bears general manager Phil Emery addressed the media today to discuss his controversial decision to fire Lovie Smith and also provide perspective on what he is looking for in a new head coach for the Chicago Bears.
It was one of the most impressive, insightful, and informative breakdowns of a football team fans or media get the pleasure of experiencing. Emery took everyone on a well-detailed ride into the multiple variables that earned him his role as a general manager in the NFL.
Emery journeyed from one place to another; from the complexities of the draft to statistics gathered during free agency player ratings for team construction. The information he shared also included a brief tutorial on the checks and balances of the federal government in comparison to the synergy Emery believes is a vital quality between himself and the Bears' next head coach.
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Overall, Emery gave everyone a glimpse into the fine-toothed comb of data collection in order to make informed sound decisions to build a championship-caliber football team. Getting to experience the leadership displayed by the Bears' top decision maker was a breath of fresh air. Emerys delivery was confident, sound, and fact based. He did not hide or run away from any tough question asked by the media.
In fact, at one point during the press conference, Emery encouraged them: I will stay here as long as you need to answer any questions. True to his word, he did just that.
There wasnt any aspect concerning the Bears that Emery did not cover, other than personal future player contracts. Instead, he preferred to keep that information between himself and the player.
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But he did discuss extensively what he is looking for in a new head coach.
"The next head coach must display expertise to take all of the unique talents we have to build a championship team," Emery said, although he did not look to put the blame on Smith. "I needed to provide more talent. Put in on me."
But Emery did expect Smith and will hold his next head coach accountable to utilize the talents available.
They must have the knowledge and flexibility to transform talents we have into a winning formula for a championship team," the Bears GM said.
The Bears offensive failures played a huge part in Smiths dismissal, but Emery made it clear its not all about quarterback Jay Cutler.
There are 10 other guys where the coach much maximize their talent, Emery said before commenting on Cutler's future with the franchise. I am convinced of Jays talents as a franchise quarterback, but we must build around Jay.
Clearly Emerys next step for the Bears is to find a head coach who can adapt Cutlers talents towards winning a championship.