Bears Hire Phair

The Bears made a move to fill out their coaching staff on Thursday, hiring former Seahawks assistant Mike Phair to replace Eric Washington to coach their defensive line.  Washington left the Bears to take the same job for former Bears’ DC Ron Rivera, who became head coach for the Carolina Panthers.   You might recall that before Washington, Rod Marinelli was the D-line coach; often being touted as the best in the business.

With ties to the Seahawks and Tamp Bay Bucs, this smacks of a Tim Ruskell hire.  Ruskell is Jerry Angelo’s right hand man who GM’ed the Seahawks before joining the Bears staff last offseason.  Could this signal that Ruskell is starting to wield more power at Halas Hall?  I’ve heard rumors that Jerry Angelo is nearing the end of his run as Bears GM and Ruskell seems to be lined up as his successor.  It’s a minor move but could have major meaning down the road.