The Chicago Bears released statements from former head coach Matt Nagy and former general manager Ryan Pace this evening following today’s news that both have been fired.
Matt Nagy’s statement was short and sweet and included thanks to the McCaskey family, Ted Phillips, and Ryan Pace for hiring him and giving him four years he’ll always remember.
Statement from Matt Nagy: pic.twitter.com/PeGZTPlnh2
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 10, 2022
Pace’s statement was more detailed in describing things that the Bears accomplished during his tenure as the general manager, including their 2018 NFC North title, a wild card berth in 2020, 19 Pro Bowl selections, and six All-Pro selections on the roster that he built.
Statement from Ryan Pace: pic.twitter.com/OkQYzp5K00
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 10, 2022
Pace talked about “culture that persevered” that he and Matt Nagy built during their time together in Chicago, but I haven’t seen it. I honestly find that a little questionable (albeit understandable), as the culture at Halas Hall seems like one of perpetual dysfunction and failure rather than perseverance. Alas. Pace can pat himself on the back all he wants, the bottom line is he didn’t accomplish his goal, and he never came close to achieving that goal in nearly a decade in Chicago.
But I digress, as that chapter of Bears history is now just that, history.