Great tradition, great city. If he didn't, several other respected GMs have. Now comes word via the Tribune's Don Pierson that Bears President Ted Phillips has hired a corporate headhunter to search for Hatley's replacement, in case he leaves. I don't know whether to cheer or cry. At least Phillips claims to be in the market for a genuine general manager who will have the power to hire and fire coaches.
Most teams look for headhunters on defense.
The Bears need one to tell them what do with one of the NFL's most coveted jobs. These jobs would be just right for worker-bee Hatley. This week's Sports Illustrated ranks this year's top five drafts. The Bears didn't medal. As former President Michael McCaskey fired personnel director Rod Graves, he asked Graves to recommend a replacement.