Bears Give GM Ryan Poles an Extension

Ryan Poles, considered one of the NFL's brightest young general managers, has been rewarded for his efforts in Chicago with a well-deserved contract extension. The Bears and Poles have reached an agreement on a three-year extension that will keep him at the helm through the 2029 season. This move demonstrates the organization's confidence in his long-term vision. Poles, who had two years remaining on the initial five-year contract he signed upon joining the Bears in 2022, is now strategically aligned with head coach Ben Johnson, whose contract also extends through the 2029 season—ensuring stability and a unified approach to team building.

At 39 years old, Poles has spearheaded a significant rebuild of the Bears roster, a process that coincided with the team securing the No. 1 overall pick in both the 2022 and 2023 NFL Drafts. In a bold move, Chicago traded the top pick in the 2023 draft to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for star wide receiver DJ Moore and a package of four valuable draft picks. This shrewd decision provided the Bears with immediate offensive firepower and additional resources for the future. Notably, Poles later utilized one of those acquired picks to select quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, signaling a new era for the franchise.

While the Bears have compiled a 15–36 record since Poles' arrival—reflecting the growing pains of a rebuild—the team’s trajectory is undeniably upward. Former coach Matt Eberflus was relieved of his duties midway through the 2024 season, which ultimately concluded with a 5–12 finish during Williams' highly anticipated rookie year. In January, Poles conducted an exhaustive coaching search, interviewing a remarkable 17 candidates before ultimately selecting Johnson to lead the team. The organization's collective hope is that, with Johnson's leadership and Williams' promising talent, the Bears can finally take the next step toward becoming a dominant force and reclaiming their place among the NFL's elite—adding another chapter to the Chicago Bears' storied history.