Chicago Bears: Jerry Angelo Has Been Fired as Bears GM

After 10 years, Jerry Angelo is out as general manager of the Chicago Bears, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The Bears missed the playoffs this season for the fourth time in five years, and the team has chosen to go in a different direction.

The Bears have had a history of draft picks that haven't quite lived up to their draft spots during Angelo's tenure. Fans may feel as though this is a harsh move after such a injury-riddled season, but this is not just about 2011. 

This firing is about the fact that Angelo's draft history has had far more Jarron Gilberts' and Michael Haynes' than Matt Fortes'. 

As former Bear Tom Waddle, of the Waddle and Silvy show said: "It is nice to see the Bears aren't going to settle for mediocrity."

The move now brings Head Coach Lovie Smith's job security into question. With a new GM, you'd have to think, the Bears may be looking to go in a entirely new direction. Smith actually has 2 years left on his current contract.

The Bears have announced there won't be any other changes as of now, so Lovie is safe for 2012.

That doesn't mean Smith won't get fired during the season, or at season's end in 2012, especially is the Bears miss the postseason again.

Lovie Smith does actually deserve another shot, albeit without Mike Martz as offensive coordinator. The Bears defense was solid again this year, and they were headed for a playoff run, were it not for injuries to Jay Cutler and Forte.

Jerry Angelo's firing seemed to be received positively across Chicago, as Dave Richard of CBSSports tweeted this shortly after:

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"Name the best first-round pick Jerry Angelo made for the Bears. My answer: Jay Cutler, and it took two picks and then some."

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Possible replacements haven't been communicated at this time.