AP

The offseason could be an interesting one in Chicago, and not just because the contract of offensive coordinator Mike Martz will be expiring.

Jason La Canfora of NFL Network said on Gameday Morning that there is “persistent chatter” among scouts that Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo could retire. La Canfora mentioned that the decision could hinge on the manner in which the season finishes for the Bears. It’s unclear whether that means a great ending would prompt Angelo to walk away triumphantly, or whether a bad one would cause him to disappear with his tail between his legs.

If he goes, the next question would become whether the next G.M. would want to keep coach Lovie Smith. Angelo had no desire to keep coach Dick Jauron when Angelo arrived in 2001. An unexpected 13-3 record forced Angelo to give Jauron an extension, and to tolerate Jauron for two more seasons.