National Football League

New Bears GM Pace says hiring coach is his first priority

Published Jan. 9, 2015 2:09 p.m. ET

foxsports

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- New Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace says he's focused on hiring a coach and will wait before making decisions about anyone on the roster, specifically quarterback Jay Cutler.

Pace, who at 37 is currently the league's youngest GM, faces a big task as he tries to rebuild a team with one playoff appearance in the past eight years. The Bears were a disappointing 5-11 and fired general manager Phil Emery and coach Marc Trestman.

Pace spent the past 14 years working for the New Orleans Saints. In Chicago, he says he will have final say on the 53-man roster, but he will report directly to team president Ted Phillips.

The most immediate task is finding a coach.