The Chicago Bears moved forward in their search for a new general manager on Thursday by conducting an interview at Halas Hall with current director of player personnel Tim Ruskell.

The meeting marked the fourth interview the Bears carried out in their attempt to find a replacement for Jerry Angelo, who was fired on Jan. 3. The club brought in New York Giants director of college scouting Marc Ross for an interview on Wednesday, and met Monday with New England Patriots director of player personnel Jason Licht. The Bears have also interviewed San Diego Chargers director of player personnel Jimmy Raye.

The Bears plan to finish interviews with previously announced candidates on Friday, when they speak with Kansas City Chiefs director of college scouting Phil Emery. But the club hasn't ruled out conducting meetings with unannounced candidates.

Ruskell, meanwhile, presents somewhat of an interesting dilemma for the Bears to ponder considering his ties to Angelo, who hired Ruskell in April, 2010. Ruskell and Angelo worked together in Tampa Bay for 14 seasons before reuniting in Chicago.

Any perceived loyalty between Ruskell and Angelo by ownership could be viewed as a potential pitfall to the team accomplishing its goals long term.

Prior to coming aboard with Angelo in Chicago, Ruskell worked five seasons (2005-09) as the president of football operations and general manager of the Seattle Seahawks.

Ruskell started his tenure there with the best run of postseason success in franchise history, which included four playoff wins from 2005-07. But upon Ruskell's ousting in 2009, the Seahawks had stumbled to an 8-19 record dating back to 2008.