Jay Cutler passed along his thanks to Chicago Bears fans as well as member of the organization. It’s who he didn’t thank that’s surprising.
April 2, 2009 – March 9, 2017
That’s the Jay Cutler era in Chicago. Marked by a .500 record and a tumultuous reign as the Chicago Bears starting quarterback, Cutler came to Chicago with a bang and leaves with a whimper.
In their press release, there were thanks passed along from key members of the Bears organization including George McCaskey, Ryan Pace and John Fox. From George:
"“We are grateful to Jay for all he did as a Bear,” said Bears Chairman George McCaskey. “His ability, toughness, and intelligence were on daily display at Halas Hall and Soldier Field. He had an extraordinary impact off the field, doing things for people — especially kids — without expecting or wanting any recognition. I was and am a big fan of his. We wish Jay, Kristin and their three kids all the best.”"
The thanks were passed along from Jay via the Sun Times. Jay was gracious in his departure, thanking the fans and the organization alike:
"“I would like to thank Virginia, George and the rest of the McCaskey family for their support over my tenure in Chicago as well as Jerry Angelo, Phil Emery and Ryan Pace. It was a great experience to have played with such a great list of teammates during my time as a Bear. Also, I would like to thank all of the great employees of the Bears from the locker room to the front office."
You know who’s not listed? How about Lovie Smith? Where’s Mac Trestman? How about John Fox? See any mention of numerous of fired offensive coordinators left in his wake? Where’s the shout out to Mike Martz?
There are probably too many names for Cutler to list all of the offensive coordinators and quarterback coaches that he leaves behind:
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2009: Ron Turner and Pep Hamilton
2010-2011: Mike Martz and Shane Day
2012: Mike Tice and Jeremy Bates
2013-2014: Aaron Kromer and Matt Cavanaugh
2015: Adam Gase and Dowell Loggains
2016: Dowell Loggains and Dave Ragone
That’s a lot of unemployed NFL coaches and a lot of new systems to learn. Some might say Cutler’s poor play and acerbic attitude led to the organizational instability while others might say the lack of consistency in the organization led to Cutler’s tumultuous tenure.
Related Story: What's Jay Cutler's Legacy in One Word?
Either way, the Jay Cutler era is over and the Bears are once again in search of a franchise quarterback. (I say they’re still in search because Mike Glennon doesn’t tick that box for me either!)