Kevin Warren insisted firing head coach Matt Eberflus was the only major decision the Chicago Bears would make going into the off-season. GM Ryan Poles was safe and would lead the charge on finding the next head coach. Most fans were okay with that, though some had reservations about letting a general manager who whiffed so badly last time get another crack. However, the tone shifted dramatically after Sunday’s game in San Francisco. Even with Eberflus, the supposed source of all their problems, out of the picture, the team was thoroughly smacked around 38-13.
This happened despite four of the 49ers’ five best players being out with injuries, which was an indictment on the roster. Bears players looked befuddled and too often disinterested. Many fans on social media began directing their outrage at Poles, who built this thing from the ground up. The team is no closer to contention than it was three years ago. Forget the head coach. This organization may need a completely fresh start across the board. Some don’t think the Bears will entertain the idea.
That might not necessarily be true.
A source informed SM that the vibe inside Halas Hall is tense. There is a feeling that more is riding on next week’s game in Minnesota than many are letting on. Remember, Warren spent over a decade with that organization and helped build their stadium. Getting humiliated on prime-time television against his former team may compel the team president to reevaluate the decision to keep Poles. Don’t forget that he wasn’t around when the GM was hired. While they may have a solid working relationship, there is no reason to maintain it if the team is trending in the wrong direction.
Nothing is set in stone. Ryan Poles won’t be fired because of the loss in San Francisco. It comes down to how the team finishes out the string. If they’re crushed multiple times over the final month, it will be an indictment on the roster he put together. In such an event, Warren will consider wiping the slate clean with a new GM and new head coach. It may not be what the McCaskey wanted, but the reality is their hand-picked guy hasn’t gotten the job done.
