Bears Go All-In on Ryan Poles: GM Extended Through 2029 in Bold Bet on Franchise Rebirth
The Chicago Bears have made a decisive move toward stability by extending general manager Ryan Poles’ contract through the 2029 season, aligning him with newly hired head coach Ben Johnson. This bold decision signals full organizational backing for Poles as the architect of the Bears’ ongoing rebuild, one that began in 2022 when he took over a team mired in dysfunction and depleted of both talent and resources.
Poles originally signed a five-year deal upon joining the Bears, meaning he still had two seasons remaining. But this extension represents more than just a vote of confidence — it reflects a commitment from Bears president Kevin Warren, who has publicly and privately thrown his support behind Poles. Warren made it clear that he was never interested in wresting control of personnel decisions. Instead, he sought a general manager he could trust to lead a long-term football operation. In Poles, he believes he has found that person.
Poles inherited a roster left in shambles by his predecessor, Ryan Pace. The team was short on draft capital, stuck with bloated contracts, and facing a grim cap situation. Rather than patch holes, Poles made the unpopular but necessary decision to tear everything down. The rebuild was painful and time-consuming, but the Bears believe they are now on the verge of reaping the rewards. If Year 4 of the Poles era proves to be the breakout moment — with a young core, a franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams, and a promising new head coach — the patience will have been justified.
Critics may see this move as a not-so-subtle indictment of former coach Matt Eberflus or whoever was responsible for retaining him through a rocky 2023 season. But the message is clear: the Bears are placing their future in Poles’ hands, and they’re willing to give him the time and support to finish what he started.
