Bears fire GM Phil Emery

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Monday, December 29, 2014

The Chicago Bears fired general manager Phil Emery on Monday, sources confirmed to ESPN, while coach Marc Trestman also has been fired, according to multiple reports.

Emery lasted just three seasons with the Bears, who did not reach the postseason during that stretch.

Trestman lasted only two seasons with the Bears, who missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year in 2014 despite an offense that featured quarterback Jay Cutler, running back Matt Forte and receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.

Emery's tenure at Halas Hall was marked by the firing of former coach Lovie Smith, who was ousted following a 10-6 season in 2012, the hiring of Trestman and the lucrative contract signed by Jay Cutler this past January.

Emery also struggled to rebuild Chicago's defense in the wake of Brian Urlacher's retirement after the 2012 season. The Bears ranked 30th in the NFL in total defense in 2013 and 30th this season.

Cutler, who signed a seven-year extension reportedly worth $126 million -- including $54 million guaranteed, threw 18 interceptions this past season, his highest total since 2009.

The Bears went 5-11 this season as Cutler struggled mightily in his second year with Trestman. He was benched for Chicago's Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions.

The Bears' frustration this season seemed to boil over after their loss to the Dolphins on Oct. 19, when Marshall reportedly called out Cutler during a postgame incident in the locker room.

Prior to joining the Bears, Trestman spent five years as the head coach of the CFL's Montreal Alouettes, who won two Grey Cup championships during his tenure.