In the wake of Matt Eberflus‘ firing, Ryan Poles’ status briefly became a talking point. The latter is nevertheless set to remain in place as general manager of the Bears through the team’s upcoming head coaching search. 
“Ryan Poles is the general manager of the Chicago Bears and he will remain the general manager of the Chicago Bears,” president Kevin Warren confirmed on Monday (via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin). “I am confident in Ryan. My belief is strong in Ryan.”
Warren noted that Poles – in place since 2022 – will be Chicago’s “point person” during the process of finding Eberflus’ replacement. The Bears went 14-32 with Eberflus at the helm, and a distinct lack of success in close games played a key role in the decision to make the franchise’s first in-season coaching change. Poles specifically mentioned the handling of late-game situations as being a factor in Eberflus’ firing (h/t Adam Jahns of The Athletic).
Poles’ tenure has featured a rebuilding effort at a number of positions, including the decision to reset under center this offseason. Justin Fields was traded away before Chicago used the No. 1 pick (acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Panthers the previous spring) on Caleb Williams. The rookie’s play this season has been up and down, but it has shown signs of improvement since Thomas Brown took over as offensive play-caller. Brown is now interim head coach, and strong reviews from within the organization could give him a realistic chance at landing the full-time gig.
Still, the Bears will of course look at outside candidates as well. A long list of staffers with an offensive background could be on the team’s radar over the coming months, and to no surprise Poles named (via Cronin) a development plan for Williams as a central aspect of any candidates’ chances of being hired. Helping Williams reach his potential will be crucial as the Bears look to find stability at the QB spot and elsewhere in the organization.
Questions have been raised about whether or not Warren is truly leading the way for the Bears in terms of key decisions. During his Monday remarks, Warren did say (via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network) that Poles will have the final call on the upcoming head coaching hire. That decision will nevertheless be a collaborative one this winter with Chicago looking for a long-term solution on the sidelines.
Brad Kragthorpe!
He’s done such a fantastic job so why not?
Chicago needs all the top 10 picks in future drafts it can muster.
Had to do a double-take on that one. I scrolled past so quickly the first time, I could’ve sworn it said “Ryan Leaf to be Bears HC”
I don’t see a win coming in the Bears next 5 games, so count Thomas Brown out.
Let’s check it out:
-@San Fran – winnable, especially due to CMC’s injury
-@Minnesota – they just took them to OT, but that was in Chicago
-Detroit – just played them down to the wire and that was in Detroit. A better coach than Eberflus at least takes them to OT. Probably a loss but who knows
-Seattle – winnable
-@Green Bay – lost on a blocked FG at home to them. Green Bay may also have nothing to play for depending on the playoff scenarios
I think Chicago could take at least two of these games. Three or more and Brown should get serious consideration.