Chicago Bears Extend GM Ryan Poles' Contract Through 2029
The Chicago Bears have extended General Manager Ryan Poles' contract through the 2029 season, aligning him with new head coach Ben Johnson.
Overview
- The Chicago Bears have extended GM Ryan Poles' contract, ensuring his role through the 2029 season alongside new head coach Ben Johnson.
- Poles' contract extension comes after three seasons with the Bears, where the team finished last in the NFC North each year.
- Despite a mixed record, including a .294 winning percentage, Poles has played a crucial role in the team's coaching decisions.
- Poles was instrumental in hiring offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and leading the search for head coach Ben Johnson.
- His strategic trades secured the No. 1 draft pick in both 2023 and 2024, contributing to the decision for a contract extension.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Ryan Poles' contract extension as a strategic alignment with coach Ben Johnson, despite Poles' poor performance record. They highlight both his decision-making authority and significant trades, suggesting a cautious optimism about future potential while implicitly questioning the rationale behind extending a GM with a losing track record.
The Bears signed general manager Ryan Poles to a contract extension through the 2029 season.
Poles and new coach Ben Johnson are both on matching timelines through the 2029 season due to Johnson's five-year deal as head coach.
The Bears have finished last in the NFC North in all three seasons under Poles' leadership with a record of 15-36.
Poles has had mixed success in his three seasons as a coach, with a .294 winning percentage and two seasons where his teams lost 10 consecutive games.
Poles played a key role in hiring both offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Johnson.
He orchestrated a trade with the Carolina Panthers to secure the No. 1 draft pick in both the 2023 and 2024 NFL Drafts.
Articles (3)
Center (3)
"…There's a new era of Chicago Bears football beginning this fall."
USA TODAY·3d·"…The extension reportedly will match the length of Poles’ contract with that of new coach Ben Johnson, who was hired in January as the successor to Matt Eberflus."
Chicago Tribune"…Halas Hall is bursting with optimism that the team finally is on the cusp of winning."
Chicago Sun-Times·3d·FAQ
Ryan Poles managed to secure the No. 1 overall draft picks in 2023 and 2024, made strategic trades including one that brought wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Bears, and was instrumental in hiring offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Ben Johnson. Despite a 15-36 record, these moves are seen as foundational for the team's rebuild.
Ryan Poles’ contract extension through 2029 aligns him with new head coach Ben Johnson, whose contract also runs through the 2029 season, ensuring organizational continuity at the top levels.
The Bears have a combined record of 15-36 since Poles became GM in 2022, finishing last in the NFC North each season and missing the playoffs each year.
The Bears' management expects the team to transition from rebuilding to contending, with a focus on key player development like quarterback Caleb Williams and strong performances under head coach Ben Johnson to validate the extension.
Poles orchestrated a major trade in March 2023, sending the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for multiple draft picks and receiver D.J. Moore. The acquired picks were used to draft players including quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze.
History
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