The Chicago Bears are committed to correcting their previous errors as they embark on the quest for a new head coach. All attention is currently focused on general manager Ryan Poles.
“Expanding our search,” Poles said, “is essential. We must gather more information and conduct thorough research. It’s crucial to understand the current state of the team better than ever before. Every year brings wisdom and experience, which improves our decision-making.”
The Bears find themselves at a critical juncture, searching for a new coach to succeed the dismissed Matt Eberflus, following a disappointing 5-12 season. Expectations were high entering the third year for both Poles and Eberflus, especially after a vigorous offseason that included drafting quarterback Caleb Williams as the first overall pick. Unfortunately, the team experienced a disastrous stretch, losing ten consecutive games and culminating in Eberflus’s firing. They managed to conclude the season on a positive note by defeating Green Bay for the first time since 2018.
Although team president Kevin Warren mentioned last month that Poles would remain in his position to spearhead the search for a new coach, lingering doubts were present concerning his future due to the series of losses. “He’s industrious, young, talented, and eager to learn,” Warren noted. “His willingness to acknowledge his shortcomings during the press conference stands out as his most commendable quality.”
Regarding the upcoming coaching search, Poles confirmed that he would have the final decision. Key figures, including Warren, chairman George McCaskey, and several other executives from both the football and business sectors, will also contribute to the process.
Prominent candidates for the Bears’ coaching role include Detroit’s offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Lions’ defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, Buffalo’s offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and even Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. Interim Bears coach Thomas Brown is also being considered. Poles expressed openness to the prospect of trading draft picks to secure the right candidate.
What if a prospective coach desires to appoint their general manager? “(Poles is) our general manager,” Warren stated. “He oversees football operations, and it may not be suitable for me to address such hypotheticals.”
And if a candidate prefers to have direct communication with the team ownership? “We have a structured hierarchy,” McCaskey explained. “The head coach reports to the general manager, the general manager reports to the president, and the president reports to the chairman.”
Despite a troubling record of 15-36 over his tenure, which included two double-digit losing streaks in just three seasons, the Bears continue to support Poles. The team suffered a 10-game losing streak in the 2022 season, marking a franchise-worst 14-game slide overall. The dismissal of Eberflus after an intense loss at Detroit on Thanksgiving marked the first time the historic franchise fired a coach during a season. Moreover, within a year, two offensive coordinators have been let go, as Shane Waldron’s tenure lasted only nine games after replacing Luke Getsy, who also experienced challenges. Brown took over Waldron’s position before eventually becoming the interim coach weeks later.
Poles indicated that insights gained from the past hiring choices regarding Eberflus, Getsy, and Waldron would inform their current search strategy. “Experience brings wisdom and a deeper understanding of the process,” McCaskey affirmed.
A pertinent topic during the interview process will likely be Poles’ contract situation. His remaining years of service remain unclear, and he has refrained from disclosing whether he received an extension, potentially deterring some candidates who prefer not to work with a general manager whose position may be uncertain. “I’ll address that with candidates directly,” he assured.
The Bears have only made three playoff appearances since their NFC Championship win in 2006, with their sole Super Bowl victory occurring during the 1985 season. However, Warren, appointed two years ago, has pledged, “We will achieve championships here.”
The situation has become so dire that fans expressed their frustrations by chanting “Sell the team!” during their final home match against Seattle, which ended in a 6-3 defeat while broadcasted nationally on Thursday night. McCaskey acknowledged the fans’ frustrations, particularly feeling “more unsettled” about Lions fans taking over Soldier Field the week prior. “Given the season’s performance, it’s reasonable for Bears supporters to sell their tickets. Our goal is to field a team that excites Bears fans to the extent that they have no desire to part with their tickets,” McCaskey concluded.
