Should Theo Epstein Become the Bears Next GM?

Could former-Cubs executive Theo Epstein become the next Bears general manager?

Kade Kistner | Jan 14, 2022

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Following the firing of Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace, the franchise is now searching for their candidate to replace him and help lead the team to success.

Who better than one of the smartest minds in all of sports than former Chicago Cubs general manager Theo Epstein?

It's not as crazy as it sounds as there is a precedent for a baseball executive to make the jump to the NFL in Paul DePodesta. The former front office assistant for the Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, and New York Mets made the jump to the NFL and is now the President of the Cleveland Browns.

Epstein would have to leave his role as a consultant for the MLB, but he would be able to slot right in as the Bears' new general manager. Already endeared to the city of Chicago due to his guidance of the franchise to a World Series in 2015, he would likely be welcomed back with open arms.

The Bears are also in a similar situation as the Cubs were when Epstein took over in 2011. Currently mired in mediocrity, the Bears need a massive shakeup after going 22-27 in the last three seasons while using four different starting quarterbacks during that span.

Epstein's leadership and ability to surround himself with knowledgeable talent is what allowed him to lead the Cubs to their first World Series win in 108 years. He also has a knack for assessing and acquiring talent, something the Bears have failed to do in recent history.

The McCaskey family has had trouble putting the right people in place to do their jobs. From the general manager, to the head coach, to the quarterbacks, the Bears have been in a constant state of flux.

Epstein on the other hand has the skillset to put the correct people in place to help the franchise run smoothly from top to bottom, from front office to the on-field product.

The idea isn't as far fetched as it may sound.

More From SI's Inside The Phillies:

Make sure to follow Inside the Phillies on Facebook and Twitter!

Published Jan 14, 2022

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.