The fate of GM Ryan Poles has been a constant debate among Chicago Bears fans for weeks. Most feel that after just 15 wins in three years, complete with all sorts of dysfunction along the way, he doesn’t deserve a chance to hire another coach. Yet prominent people in the NFL media have indicated there are no signs that Poles is going anywhere after the season. The truth is nobody knows for sure, and a recent video making the rounds only creates more questions about the GM.
Cameras were in the Bears’ locker room after their big upset victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Interim head coach Thomas Brown got the game ball from quarterback Caleb Williams as a congratulations for his first victory and an honor for dealing with a tough situation. It was a cool moment. However, something has caught the attention of eagle-eyed fans. Team president Kevin Warren was spotted in the background, which isn’t unusual. It has been that way all season. The key difference?
Poles is usually with him. He was not this time.
Ryan Poles’ absence is puzzling, to say the least.
Remember that this was his first official victory over the Packers since he arrived in 2022. One would think the GM would be eager to celebrate with the team, especially since it was his handpicked quarterback who made it happen. Now, there is a possibility he was there and just happened not to be on camera. However, every previous similar post-game locker room speech had him in the background. His not being there was notable. It could be nothing, but Bears fans aren’t wrong for being puzzled.
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Maybe it ends up being a simple misunderstanding. Former GM Ryan Pace received a contract extension on the morning after the regular season ended in January of 2018. One can imagine that similar news is imminent with Ryan Poles if the Bears plan to keep him. The longer it goes without happening, the more that video could be viewed as an early warning that changes are coming. We shall soon know which.
@TGena
I may disagree with you about some things, but I would vote for you to be general manager if the Chicago Bears in a heartbeat.
Systematic, analytic, observation, research, and comparisons (not comparing intra-industry standards with inter-industry success is how everything is built and grows.
Your identification of the qualities successful organizations search for, and find, is EXACTLY what the Bears need.
The powers that be, need to either find a loudmouth like you, or your clone. Thanks for your comments. We ALL need them.
@Sallie While I basically agree with your political assertions, please keep in mind that “outsiders” living under different circumstances (I assume an ex-pat in the UK?) might run locals (people living in the United States) the wrong way. No one likes being told what to do, or whatever their decision, it was stupid. Most people are quietly, and self-critical (although slow to admit) whatever decisions they make. We all have some regrets, but it is worse when you compound your regret by repeating it (which is why so many are irate at the Chicago Bears management) – yet some still… Read more »
First, don’t read more into a shit, or word, or situation, than actually exists. That’s the way we get sucked in conspiracy theories. Just because the sun wasn’t shining, doesn’t MEAN that Ryan Poles is getting fired. Just because Thomas Brown won a game and is Black, doesn’t mean he’s the head coach next year. (You see how that works?) Writers for these “blogging-type” platforms are idiots and incompetent and REALLY need editors. Apparently, the Bears put in formal requests to talk to Ben Johnson and Anthony Weaver and Brian Flores (?). Was Poles filing that paperwork with the league… Read more »
Multiple pseudo football intellectuals are now practicing what we call “intellectual terrorism” since the messages are frighteningly wrong or so obviously dishonest. They should join Trump’s Cabinet of Crazies led by hypocrite Musk. No offense.
It all means nothing until they start talking to HC prospects. They’ll decide if Poles still has a job.