Bears fire pro personnel director DePaul, who pulled off Cutler deal

The Chicago Bears fired senior director of pro personnel Bobby DePaul after nine seasons Monday.


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Hired out of the Philadelphia Eagles' front office in June 2001, DePaul helped build the Bears team which won three division titles and the 2006 NFC championship. He played a big role in the trade that brought quarterback Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos and sent optimism soaring in Chicago entering this past season. However, the Bears stumbled to a 7-9 record while missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

The Bears' struggles led to an upheaval in the coaching staff -- particularly on offense, where the team brought in two former head coaches in offensive coordinator Mike Martz and offensive line coach Mike Tice.

DePaul also was an assistant coach in the NFL, working for the Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals before becoming a scout for the Eagles.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.