The Bears search for a general manager is over. They announced Thursday that Ryan Pace, a longtime Saints executive, will replace Phil Emery.

Pace worked with the Saints the past 14 seasons, including the past two as director of player personnel.

Pace's attention turns immediately to the Bears' coaching search. Team officials expected to interview Todd Bowles on Thursday.

Pace's background is in scouting professional and college players, and managed that operation in New Orleans.

Undoubtely, he'll have a close eye on quarterback Jay Cutler — both his salary and his ever-growing ability. Cutler was benched by ousted coach Marc Trestman and questions persist about whether Cutler can be become a championship quarterback, or if he is a lost cause.

The new coach, whoever it is, along with Pace, will have that to immediately figure out.

And if they decide to move on from Cutler, the Bears will have to explore every option to trade or release him. Jason Fitzgerald, a salary cap expert and Sporting News contributor, examined the Bears' potential exit strategies for Cutler.