Ryan Poles is a somewhat polarizing figure among Chicago Bears fans. For the most part, he operates in a way people like and respect. He’s honest and forthright with his answers to the media. He doesn’t throw away draft picks in needlessly aggressive trades, as some of his predecessors have. While Poles has made some mistakes, everything about his process feels sound. Unfortunately, the one issue has been the most important: he’s not winning enough games. Chicago has just 15 wins in its first three seasons.
That inescapable truth led many to urge the Bears to remove the GM this offseason, along with former head coach Matt Eberflus. Ownership decided against it. They felt Poles had done enough with the roster to justify more time. He’d be given a chance to find a better coach and hopefully complete the rebuild he started in 2022. There was one pressing concern. Reports indicated Poles’ contract hadn’t been extended. This would mean he’d possibly leave the team after the 2025 season, which makes letting him hire the next coach incredibly negligent.
Thankfully, it appears that problem is now solved. According to multiple insiders, Poles received a contract extension. He and head coach Ben Johnson are now aligned for the next five years.
ESPN sources: the Bears and general manager Ryan Poles have reached agreement on a contract extension that ties him to Chicago for the next five years, through the 2029 season. Poles had two years remaining on his old deal, but now the Bears have him and new head coach Ben… pic.twitter.com/WEpVVAUYat
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 11, 2025
Coach Ben Johnson and GM Ryan Poles are in lock step. And now, their contracts reflect it, as both are under contract through 2029. https://t.co/Yyj7VSvytd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 11, 2025
The real clock is now ticking for Ryan Poles.
There are no more excuses of a rebuild. He’s had three years to overhaul the roster and is already on his second head coach. His hand-picked quarterback is in place. This team should already be trending towards success, not coming off another bad season. Other general managers don’t get this much leeway. Ryan Poles. Asking Chicago fans to be patient is neither fair nor realistic. They’ve endured 12 seasons in which their team had a winning record once. That is not something any fanbase should have to accept, much less one of the most prestigious franchises in NFL history. Poles might have a good process, but that isn’t much good if he doesn’t start hitting on some of these players he’s assembled. So much hope is being placed on this new coaching staff. The backlash won’t be good if the Bears stumble again.
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