Bears' shakeup: Gabriel out, Ruskell likely in
April 27, 2010 1:51 PM | 3 Comments
By Brad Biggs

Now there is something to announce.

Last Wednesday, Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said when the time was right, he would speak on changes in his front office. He made the second major one this season when college scouting director Greg Gabriel was informed Tuesday that he will not be retained, according to a league source.

Earlier this offseason, Angelo informed pro personnel director Bobby DePaul of the same fate, setting up what likely will be the introduction of Tim Ruskell to a management position in the next week.
"If and when we have something to announce, we'll announce it," Angelo said during a pre-draft news conference last week.

Now, Angelo has cut ties with both lieutenants that he hired when he was brought in as the GM in June 2001. Angelo has known Gabriel for more than 25 years and while Gabriel ran the college scouting department, Angelo has lorded over the drafts.

Whether more shakeup is on the way remains to be seen. Ruskell could get a title like director of football operations or director of personnel and likely will oversee the pro and college departments. Angelo could consider promoting from within in those departments. Kevin Turks, a pro scout, could be moved in DePaul's old role. Southwest area scout Chris Ballard could be considered for Gabriel's position.

Ruskell was removed as the general manager of the Seattle Seahawks in December. He and Angelo worked together in Tampa Bay for more than a decade.

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