The Chicago Bears are an organization that has long benefitted from giving former players prominent roles within the organization. George Halas played for the team early in their existence before becoming their head coach and owner. Mike Ditka was a star tight end in the 1960s before returning in 1982 to become the head coach, winning them a Super Bowl in 1985. Ron Rivera played linebacker for them in the 1980s and helped them back to the Super Bowl in 2006 as their defensive coordinator. It always seems like the team benefits from giving familiar faces a chance to return to help them in new ways. Enter Greg Olsen.
The former Pro Bowl tight end was the Bears’ 1st round pick in 2007, helping them reach the NFC championship in 2010. Sadly, he was traded to Carolina the following year due to a dispute with offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Fans deride the deal to this day. Still, Olsen never forgot his Bears roots. He remains a massive fan of the city and the organization that did so much for him. These days, he has carved out a stellar career as a broadcaster, but Olsen wasn’t subtle about the idea of returning to Chicago in a front office role during an appearance on Waddle & Silvy.
Greg Olsen would hardly be the first to make this leap.
In fact, John Lynch has already proved that it can be done. He carved out a Hall of Fame career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos in the 1990s and 2000s. From there, he jumped into broadcasting and became a prominent voice every Sunday for games. Then, in 2017, he was hired as general manager of the San Francisco 49ers. Since then, the franchise has reached two Super Bowls and become a powerhouse in the NFC. So, for former players, going from broadcasting to front office roles is hardly impossible.
Ozzie Newsome built two Super Bowl champions in Baltimore. John Elway won a Super Bowl in Denver. Jim Finks made a Pro Bowl as a quarterback in the 1950s before transforming the Bears into the dominant force they became in the ’80s. People should not dismiss Greg Olsen getting such an opportunity. He played in the league for a long time and has rubbed shoulders with every prominent organization since retiring, thanks to his broadcasting career. The Bears have every reason to consider this idea.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Olsen simply has to read “GM-ing for Dummies” and learn on the job. Sure, it’s not ideal, but it might be an immediate improvement and get the Bears our man, Ben. McGowan for A-GM might help too. Why? We are living in extreme times, and the Bears are in an extreme situation.
I’d be 100% on board to g]bring him in as an advisor and then he could take the role of team prez when he decides he wants to try building a franchise. Some would ask why would he with such a great job he has but is he wants a new competitive challenge the Bears would be perfect for him.
I think it’s a great idea to get him in the front office. But something Erik must have forgotten is that for every Lynch and Elway there’s a Millen and Mayock. I wouldn’t have him running the show right out of the gate.
Greg Olson or Ryan Poles?
Are you kidding me?
If relatively inexperienced Carter, Reagan, or Trump could “handle” the Presidency of the United States of America, then perhaps Olsen can handle the GM job of the Chicago Bears.