Vikings Tap Ex-Bears GM Ryan Pace as Senior Adviser in Front Office Shakeup

Minnesota Vikings have made a strategic move in their front office, hiring former Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace as a senior adviser. Pace, who spent seven years leading the Bears and most recently worked in the Atlanta Falcons personnel department, will serve as a high-level resource for the Vikings' newly appointed GM, Nolan Teasley.

Pace's appointment signals the Vikings' commitment to bolstering their football operations with proven leadership. After leading the Bears from 2015 to 2021, Pace transitioned to the Falcons, where he spent four seasons contributing to their personnel decisions and front office strategy. The Vikings are now tapping into his extensive NFL experience as they look to shape their roster and organizational culture under Teasley's direction.

• Pace was the Chicago Bears' general manager for seven seasons (2015-21)
• He joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, working in their personnel department for four years
• Will advise new Vikings GM Nolan Teasley, who is taking on his first general manager role

The Vikings' decision to bring in Pace comes at a crucial juncture. As the team transitions to new leadership under Teasley, having a veteran football executive in an advisory capacity provides stability and a valuable second opinion on major personnel and strategic decisions. According to reports, Pace will act as a "GM-level sounding board" for Teasley, helping him navigate the complexities of roster construction, contract negotiations, and draft strategy.

Pace's tenure with the Bears was marked by several bold moves, including the trade up to draft quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in 2017 and a series of high-profile free agent signings. While not all of his decisions paid off on the field, his experience managing the demands of a large-market franchise and handling both successful and challenging roster reconfigurations is expected to benefit the Vikings' evolving front office.

His most recent stint in Atlanta allowed Pace to step back from the spotlight and focus on player evaluation and support roles within the personnel department. That exposure to a different organizational culture and approach is likely to bring fresh perspectives to Minnesota as they retool for the future.

The move also underscores the growing trend of NFL teams seeking layered executive structures. By pairing an up-and-coming GM like Teasley with a seasoned adviser, the Vikings are aiming to blend innovative ideas with hard-earned NFL operational wisdom—a formula that could help the franchise remain competitive in an ever-evolving league landscape.