DALLAS -- Former Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry is ready to go back to work in Major League Baseball.

"I've enjoyed some needed time off, spending time with my family, playing some golf and getting in better physical condition," Hendry told ESPNChicago.com. "Right now I am looking forward to getting back into the industry and being productive."

Hendry has talked to numerous teams about returning as a top lieutenant in a major league front office, according to major league sources.

Hendry has had a long an unique career in baseball beginning with a successful high school coaching job. He took Creighton to a College World Series Final Four before beginning a pro career as a scout, director of minor leagues, scouting director, assistant GM and GM.

Hendry, 55, was the Cubs GM from 2002 until July 23 when Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts relieved him of his duties only to ask him to stay on another six weeks to finish signing players in the draft and to take the team through the trade deadline on July 31. The Cubs hired Theo Epstein as president of baseball operations on Oct. 21, and he hired Hendry's replacement, Jed Hoyer, a week later.

Under Hendry's direction the Cubs won three division titles (2003, 2007, 2008). The 2003 team was five outs away from their first World Series since 1945 before an eighth-inning implosion in Game 6 against the Marlins in the NLCS.