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🧱 Building the Future — Brick by Brick
The Chicago Bears have officially extended General Manager Ryan Poles through the 2029 NFL season, reinforcing their long-term commitment to a front office vision centered around development, discipline, and continuity.
At just 39, Poles now enters the prime years of his executive career with full control over roster construction, salary cap strategy, and team culture — all now aligned with head coach Ben Johnson, who is also under contract through 2029.
🗨️ “We’re building something we believe in. This isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about sustained success.”
📊 Ryan Poles’ Tenure So Far
| Category | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Years in Role | Since January 2022 |
| Record | 15–36 in three seasons |
| Key Trades | Flipped No.1 pick (2023) for multiple assets |
| Franchise QB | Drafted Caleb Williams #1 in 2025 |
| Coach Hired | Ben Johnson (2025), after 17 interviews |
Poles’ rebuild hasn’t produced instant wins — but the infrastructure, especially on offense, is beginning to take shape.
🛠️ Notable Moves Under Poles
🔁 Rebuild Cornerstones
Traded back from No. 1 in 2023, securing WR DJ Moore, multiple 1st-round picks
Drafted OT Darnell Wright, WR Luther Burden III, and TE Colston Loveland
Signed elite offensive linemen Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson
Acquired center Drew Dalman to stabilize the interior line
🧠 Coaching Reset
Moved on from Matt Eberflus in 2024
Hired Ben Johnson, the most sought-after offensive mind on the market
GM–Coach alignment extended through 2029
🔮 What This Means for the Bears
| 🔍 Focus Area | Outlook |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Caleb Williams now has long-term support |
| Offensive Identity | Ben Johnson + Poles = system fit synergy |
| Roster Stability | Cap health, draft assets, player dev on track |
| Fan Patience | Wins must come by 2026–27 season window |
Poles now owns the timeline — and expectations will only grow.
🗣️ From the Front Office
Team officials emphasize that Poles’ work ethic, long-term planning, and locker room credibility were core reasons for the extension.
“His vision is clear, his leadership is strong, and now we have alignment at every level of the organization.”
🧾 Editor’s Take
Ryan Poles hasn’t delivered results on the scoreboard — yet. But with this extension, Chicago is betting on the process over panic. By pairing Poles and Ben Johnson for the long haul, the Bears are sending a clear message: we believe in our blueprint.
It’s now about turning potential into production. Poles has time — but not forever.
