Ryan Poles in Chicago for the Long Haul: Bears Set to Extend Ryan Poles, Bringing Continuity to Front Office
Before becoming the head coach, Ben Johnson stressed organizational alignment as an important factor, which at the time seemingly ruled the Chicago Bears out of the race. National media routinely reported that Johnson wanted to pair up with his own general manager.
All that speculation was put to rest on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, when Johnson was named the 18th head coach in franchise history.
Did Johnson just really like Caleb Williams’ potential? Maybe the reported $65 million was too much to turn down? It likely all played a part. However, the notion that Johnson wasn’t entirely on board with keeping Poles has now been proven false.
According to Courtney Cronin, the Bears are expected to give Poles a five-year extension, which would tie him to the entire length of Johnson’s contract.
For better or worse, the two are now connected at the hip for the next five years.
