The Chicago Bears have officially extended general manager Ryan Poles' contract through the 2029 NFL season, aligning his tenure with that of new head coach Ben Johnson, who was hired earlier this year on a five-year deal. This strategic move signals the Bears’ commitment to a long-term rebuild under the leadership duo, as they aim to turn around a franchise that has struggled mightily in recent years.
Poles, who was hired in January 2022, entered this extension with two years remaining on his original five-year contract. Despite a challenging start marked by a combined 15-36 record over his first three seasons, the Bears' front office clearly believes in Poles’ vision and the progress made to date. The partnership with Johnson, widely regarded as the hottest coaching prospect in the 2025 cycle, is seen as a cornerstone for future success.
During Poles’ initial seasons, the Bears endured a rough patch, finishing 3-14 in 2022, 7-10 in 2023, and 5-12 in 2024. The team’s struggles included two last-place finishes and the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus midway through the 2024 season following a Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions. Poles spearheaded the coaching search that brought Johnson to Chicago, a move that has been praised by team executives for the chemistry between the GM and coach.
President and CEO Kevin Warren expressed optimism about the duo’s relationship in April 2025, saying, “One thing I will say about Ryan and coach, everything that we hoped that we would have from a working relationship, we’ve seen it. Coach is exactly who we had hoped that he would be. Their relationship is exactly and I would say it has far exceeded what we could imagine. They work well together. You all have seen it.” Warren’s confidence reflects the organization’s hope that the Poles-Johnson partnership will finally restore the Bears to playoff contention.
Poles’ boldest move came in the 2023 offseason when he traded the first overall pick in that year’s draft to the Carolina Panthers. In return, the Bears received a hefty package including wide receiver D.J. Moore, right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, punter Tory Taylor, rookie receiver Luther Burden III, and crucially, the Panthers’ 2024 first-round pick. That pick allowed Chicago to select quarterback Caleb Williams first overall in the 2024 draft, a player many see as the franchise’s potential savior.
Williams’ rookie season was a mixed bag. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he was sacked 68 times, tied for the third-most in NFL history, a statistic that underscored the Bears’ porous offensive line. Recognizing this glaring weakness, Poles aggressively revamped the offensive front during the 2025 offseason. He orchestrated trades to bring in veteran guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and signed center Drew Dalman in free agency, shoring up the line to better protect the young quarterback.
Beyond the offensive line, Poles bolstered the skill positions by drafting tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III in the 2025 NFL Draft, complementing the existing weapons of D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze. This revamped offense, coupled with Johnson’s offensive acumen, sets the stage for Williams to take a significant leap in his sophomore year.
However, the pressure is high. The Bears are expected to show tangible progress in 2025, with betting odds favoring them to surpass 7.5 wins and even make a playoff push. At DraftKings Sportsbook, Chicago is -175 to go over that win total, +105 to reach nine wins, and +160 to secure a playoff berth. These odds reflect a shift in expectations, from rebuilding to contending, and the front office’s faith in Poles and Johnson to deliver results.
Poles’ influence extends beyond player acquisitions. He has also been proactive in securing the team’s core through contract extensions, locking up defensive end Montez Sweat, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, tight end Cole Kmet, D.J. Moore, Joe Thuney, linebacker T.J. Edwards, and cornerback Kyler Gordon, his first draft pick. These moves aim to build a stable foundation for sustained success.
Despite the challenges faced during his tenure, Poles’ background with the Kansas City Chiefs and his aggressive approach to rebuilding have earned him praise. Chairman George McCaskey highlighted the quality of Poles’ staff, remarking, “We liked his leadership. We liked the staff that he’s assembled. He has a couple people on his staff — (assistant GM) Ian Cunningham and (director of player personnel) Jeff King — who probably should be general managers for another NFL team. The communication has been excellent.”
Yet, the Bears’ recent history tempers expectations. The franchise has not had a winning season in six years and has not won a playoff game since 2010. The extension of Poles’ contract is a clear signal that the organization is committed to a patient rebuild, hoping that the combination of Poles’ front office savvy, Johnson’s coaching, and Williams’ development will end these droughts.
As the Bears prepare for the 2025 season, three key objectives stand out: Caleb Williams must make a clear Year 2 improvement, Ben Johnson must establish himself as a quality head coach capable of running the entire organization, and the team must win at least eight games to validate the front office’s faith and regain credibility with fans and stakeholders.
Williams’ progress will be critical. After a challenging rookie year, he now has a vastly improved offensive line and a talented supporting cast. Johnson’s offensive expertise should help unlock Williams’ potential, but the quarterback’s ability to stay healthy and make smarter decisions under pressure will be under intense scrutiny.
Johnson faces the daunting task of proving he can lead not just the offense but the entire team. Though he arrives with high praise and expectations, this is his first head coaching role, and success is not guaranteed. The Bears are banking on his leadership to instill a winning culture and provide stability after the midseason firing of Matt Eberflus.
Finally, the Bears must demonstrate tangible progress on the field. After three disappointing seasons, the franchise needs to at least approach a .500 record and be a tough competitor each week. Even if a playoff berth remains elusive, showing consistent improvement and competitive spirit will be crucial to maintaining momentum.
The Poles-Johnson era is just beginning, but the stakes are high. The Bears have given their general manager a long-term vote of confidence, signaling a commitment to sustained growth rather than quick fixes. With a promising quarterback, a revamped roster, and a fresh coaching approach, Chicago’s football future holds more hope than it has in years. The 2025 season will be the first true test of whether this bold gamble pays off or if the Bears remain mired in rebuilding limbo.
