The truth is, you never really know what is going on behind the scenes. GM Ryan Poles has always presented things as relatively cohesive inside Halas Hall, at least where the front office is concerned. He, his executives, and his scouts have been on the same page with the Chicago Bears’ player evaluation process since he arrived in 2022. However, recent events suggest that might not be the case, and never was. Tyler Dunne of Go Long has released a multiple-part story about how ugly the operation was in Chicago before and after the 2024 draft.
In the article, Poles is slammed for zeroing in on Caleb Williams months in advance, never giving any credence to other quarterback options. Anonymous sources also accused him of intentionally sabotaging film sessions for Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels, downplaying their NFL viability. Whenever somebody raised concerns about Williams or tried to defend other options, they were dismissed. One Bears scout went so far as to say Poles is a fraud. He’s an insecure person only interested in having yes men around him. Nothing about him exudes leadership.
“He is not a leader,” says one Bears scout in that ’24 room. “I’ve worked with people who are leaders that worked and motivated you. They’ve got a human element where they get to know you. You want to do a good job for them. He is ill-equipped for the job. He doesn’t possess any of that. He likes the people who kiss up to him, as opposed to somebody who can smell that out and wouldn’t want those people around him. A good leader — a good GM — has people keep you in check. They should disagree with you and challenge you. He doesn’t like that.”
Ryan Poles lost considerable power since then.
Jeff Hughes of Sports Mockery made that clear. Since arriving in January, new head coach Ben Johnson appears to have secured primary say over personnel decisions. The only reason Ryan Poles was extended was because the coach gave his blessing. That should tell you how much credibility the GM has lost. While he’s a smart guy who understands how to operate a capable front office, his inability to foster an organization of accountability and winning mentality was painfully obvious throughout his first three years. Nobody questions his commitment to the job. Unfortunately, some people aren’t cut out to be leaders. Johnson will assume that role moving forward, and it’s probably for the best. Poles still has plenty of value from a scouting and asset management standpoint. Removing him from the primary leadership position is best for everyone.
