Red Sox GM: We did not deny Chicago Cubs permission to interview Lovullo

The Chicago Cubs managerial search took an odd turn when reports surfaced about the Cubs’ interest in Boston Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo.

When the Ricketts family hired Theo Epstein from Boston after the 2011 season, the two teams agreed that the Cubs would not hire any Red Sox upper-level employees during the next three years.

This agreement surfaced as an issue and claims that the Red Sox front office had denied the Cubs permission to interview Lovullo for the then-vacant manager job.

According to Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington addressed the issue Tuesday during the general manager meetings at the JW Marriott Orland Grande Lakes.

"“We did not deny permission,” Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said Tuesday. “There was no request for permission. I can’t comment on it any further out of respect for the Cubs and their process and obviously they’ve hired a manager.“I’m not sure it would be appropriate to comment any further. I can say in conversations with Torey, he is very happy where he’s at and we were able to agree to a new contract with him.”Epstein is said to be on very good terms with Cherington, but it was a messy exit in 2011. Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino had once mentored Epstein, who got tired of the power struggles on Yawkey Way and wanted a new challenge at Clark and Addison."

Lovullo did not interview for any managerial openings this off-season but may be a candidate during the 2015 off-season after three seasons alongside Farrell.

For more Chicago Cubs conversation and updates follow us on Twitter @CubbiesCrib and Like our Facebook page at Cubbies Crib.