Nobody has a clue what will happen next week for the Chicago Bears. It would seem this is a team on the rise. After starting the year 0-4, they’ve undergone a massive midseason swing with a 7-5 record in their last 12 games. They’re 7-9 with loads of momentum going into Lambeau Field for the season finale. Yet despite this positive progress, questions linger about what will happen with the team’s three most important positions: GM Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus, and quarterback Justin Fields. Finding clear answers has been impossible.
Albert Breer of The MMQB has demonstrated solid ties to the Bears organization over the past few years. So it’s always interesting to see what he’s been hearing. His latest update is a notable one. Based on the feelers he’s sent out, he is relatively confident that Poles and Eberflus will return next season. There is one small issue.
“I do believe that the Chicago Bears will bring back GM Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus.
That said, I’ve also heard those guys haven’t yet been given full assurances of such from ownership, and president Kevin Warren has understandably gone underground on this particular topic. So, yes, chances are they’ll be back, and that’d be justified. We’ll see when the final word comes.”
On Friday, Kevin Warren was asked about Eberflus’ status at a brief presser. He sidestepped the question, stating he’s happy with how the team has played but wants to let the season finish up before making any decisions. Is it possible he’s in the McCaskeys’ ears about a housecleaning? Perhaps, but unlikely.
Ryan Poles is all but safe. Eberflus is less clear.
Every indication at the national and local levels is that Poles and Warren have established a harmonious relationship. They seem to share the same vision for the organization and have worked well together. Couple that with the GM’s impressive work at rebuilding the roster, and it’s hard to imagine they fire him. Eberflus is a more difficult argument. While the recent turnaround is impressive, and he’s managed to hold the locker room together through some rough seas, he still can’t hide from some ugly 4th quarter collapses and a label of being too conservative.
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There is also the quarterback issue. If Ryan Poles wishes to reset at the position, the smart idea in the minds of most would be to line him up with the best offensive-minded head coach they can find. This way, there is no risk of Eberflus getting fired because he has another losing season in 2024, repeating what happened with John Fox and Matt Nagy. Much of this could hinge on what they do with Fields. If he stays, the coaching staff likely stays. If Poles wants a change, everything is on the table.
