Emery Thankful For 'Opportunity Of A Lifetime'

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- Speaking for two minutes, hours after his firing, former Bears general manager Phil Emery offered gratitude for the chance he received in Chicago.

"This job is the opportunity of a lifetime," said Emery. "My only regret is that we didn't win enough games for that to continue."

Emery served for three years as the Bears' general manager, with the team missing the playoffs each season. Chicago went 23-25 under the direction of two head coaches, Lovie Smith and Marc Trestman. Emery fired Smith after a 10-win season in 2012, and the Bears went 13-19 in two campaigns with Trestman.

Widely regarded as a respected scout, Emery now does not have a job. He wore a Bears fleece while at the podium and closed out the brief remarks by quoting a Carrie Newcomer song.

"We stand breathless at the clean edge of change," Emery said. "So it's time to move forward. Go, Bears! Thanks for your time."

Emery then stepped away from the lectern, walked out the door and ended his time with the Bears organization.