After winning just five games last season, the Chicago Bears have made a decision on Ryan Poles’ future. Poles has been with the team since 2022, when he joined the staff as General Manager. Upon his arrival, the team saw Matt Eberflus, Thomas Brown, and now Ben Johnson act as the head coach. Leading into the first season with a new head coach, the Bears announced the fate of their general manager.
Bears Agree to Contract Extension with Ryan Poles
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport broke the news on July 11 that Poles will not be going anywhere. The Bears have signed their general manager to a multi-year contract extension. After landing the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, Johnson, as the team’s new head coach, Poles has made enough of an impact on the team to secure his spot.
Sources: The #Bears are signing GM Ryan Poles to a contract extension, keeping him in Chicago for years to come. In a big offseason, with a new coaching staff, Poles isn’t going anywhere.
Ben Johnson and Poles are now aligned. pic.twitter.com/5YzR3P6jdP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 11, 2025
With Poles as the general manager, the Bears have failed to make the postseason, and have a record of 15-36 across three seasons.
Chicago hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020 and has only made it twice since 2011. After a fourth-place finish in the NFC North last season, Caleb Williams is looking to avoid a sophomore slump, as the team will rely on him for 2025 and beyond.
Williams went No. 1 overall in the 2024 draft, which is arguably Poles’ biggest move in the organization. Hiring Johnson is a fantastic step in the right direction after numerous reports surfaced last season that Williams lacked guidance. Even without a significant coaching presence, the rookie finished with 3,541 passing yards and 489 rushing yards.
Under Poles, the Bears finished fourth in their division in 2022 and 2024 and had a seven-win season, finishing third in 2023. The NFC North is one of the toughest divisions in football, with the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers all making the playoffs last season.
ESPN sources: the Bears and general manager Ryan Poles have reached agreement on a contract extension that ties him to Chicago for the next five years, through the 2029 season. Poles had two years remaining on his old deal, but now the Bears have him and new head coach Ben… pic.twitter.com/WEpVVAUYat
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 11, 2025
Poles originally had two years left on his deal, but the Bears will now keep their general manager through 2029. Chicago’s HC-GM duo is in business together for the next five years as Johnson looks to get Chicago their first winning season since 2018.
Chicago prioritized offense in the 2025 draft, selecting a tight end, wide receiver, and offensive tackle with their first three selections. Colston Loveland was selected No. 10 overall, with Williams getting another weapon, Luther Burden III, who was selected at No. 39. With D’Andre Swift back in the fold, Williams has D.J. Moore, Rome Oduzne, and the likes of Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay at receiver.
Arlington Heights has long been rumored as a potential location for the Bears’ next stadium. They’ve been at Soldier Field since 1971. A new stadium could be one of many major moves for Poles, whom the team clearly sees leading them into the future.
