Matt Eberflus is out as Chicago Bears head coach. Now, fans have turned their attention to the status of GM Ryan Poles. Team president Kevin Warren stated at the most recent press conference that Poles is safe. The plan is for him to remain the GM and spearhead the search for the next head coach. There wasn’t much room for speculation. However, the disaster in San Francisco has many wondering if the roster is way more flawed than people wanted to admit. Poles shouldn’t be free of scrutiny just yet.
In these cases, it is often interesting to get a gauge of what people around the NFL think. This offers a barometer of where things might be trending. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reached out to several front offices to hear what they think Poles’ status is. The consensus was relatively clear.
Poles’ job security is something of interest to folks in front offices around the league, and the general consensus is he will be safe. The only caveat from those I have chatted with is the possibility the Bears land on a new coach who has enough juice to bring a personnel man with him. That’s a possibility that cannot be dismissed. If you were paying attention to what Warren said, Poles appears to be in good standing for 2025.
The Bears’ goal seems to be convincing the top candidates that Poles is secure in his role and that they can trust him. However, if somebody is dead set on bringing in a GM they’re more comfortable with, Warren will at least listen to the idea. This isn’t overly surprising. A general manager usually gets two cracks at finding a head coach. Jim Finks did. Ryan Pace did. The only thing standing between Poles and a continued run is if the team’s preferred candidate wants his own guy.
For starters, his roster has shown it can compete with the best in the NFC. With one or two different results, his Bears could’ve swept the Packers, Vikings, and Lions in their first meetings. When this group is motivated, it can play at a high level. There are definite deficiencies, particularly up front, but the gap isn’t impossibly wide. Poles also seems to have finally fixed the quarterback position with the arrival of Caleb Williams. That has to count for something. Last but not least, the GM has shown a willingness to give the head coach a strong voice in the scouting process. That isn’t always the case with other teams.
That flexibility will appeal to top candidates. Answers won’t be forthcoming until January, and teams can’t interview coaches until the playoffs begin. Until then, the decision on Ryan Poles will remain in a holding pattern. There is the matter of his contract. Reports indicate that 2025 will be his last season unless he receives an extension. Perhaps the Bears are waiting to see where their preferred candidates stand. If they’re open to working with Poles, he will likely get an extension. If not? Well, you can guess what happens then.
