Long-Term Commitment To Leadership
After another busy offseason reshaping the roster, the Chicago Bears have shown strong support for general manager Ryan Poles. Poles has signed a contract extension through the 2029 season, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday.
He and new head coach Ben Johnson are now tied to the franchise for the same duration. Johnson, considered “arguably the most sought-after candidate over the past two coaching cycles,” was brought in from the rival Detroit Lions. The Bears hope Johnson will help quarterback Caleb Williams realize his immense potential, leading to the team’s first winning season since 2018 and potentially its first playoff appearance since 2020.
A Rebuild In Motion
Poles, formerly with the Kansas City Chiefs, was hired ahead of the 2022 season to replace Ryan Pace. He’s since overseen a full rebuild, which included the hiring and firing of Matt Eberflus, but no winning seasons in three years.
Though his record stands at 15-36 with two last-place NFC North finishes, Poles has remained one of the league’s most active general managers. He moved on from fan favorites Khalil Mack and Roquan Smith, later acquiring pass rusher Montez Sweat.
One of his boldest moves came in 2023, when he traded the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for wide receiver DJ Moore and a package of draft picks. In 2024, he kept the top pick and selected Caleb Williams. He also traded for veteran receiver Keenan Allen and signed standout cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a new deal.
High Hopes After Setbacks
Despite hopes that the 2024 Bears could be a playoff team, the season ended in disappointment with a 5-12 record. Eberflus became “the first head coach in the team’s 105 seasons to get fired mid-season.”
Poles didn’t back down. With Williams having taken a league-high 68 sacks, he focused on improving protection. He traded for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney and signed center Drew Dalman. Now preparing for the second head coach of his tenure, Poles faces a pivotal 2025 campaign. Still, the extension signals faith in his long-term plan.
Poles has been described as “an uber-aggressive GM who won’t stop swinging for the fences even if he misses on moves.” While wins have been scarce, his determination to build a winner in Chicago has been clear. Bears ownership has clearly realized that and responded with Friday’s extension.
