Discover the Exciting New Era for the Bears: Ryan Poles Brings Ben Johnson on Board

In a meeting on January 19, Ryan Poles, the general manager of the Chicago Bears, finally shared who he wanted as the team’s new head coach. Until that moment, he had kept his thoughts private, wanting to avoid influencing opinions about the candidates. “It was organized — and it all came together,” said Kevin Warren, the team’s president and CEO.

The coaching search intensified when the Detroit Lions lost in the playoffs. Poles realized it was time to act fast. “We need to be ready to get on a plane to get to Detroit,” said chairman George McCaskey. However, they decided to give candidate Ben Johnson time to think before making an approach.

The Bears wanted to maintain their scheduled interview with Eddie George, a candidate who had also drawn Poles’ interest. They were committed to giving every candidate the same consideration. The urgency increased as the Bears knew other teams would soon pursue Johnson once the Lions were out of the playoff picture.

McCaskey noted, “In hindsight, I think Ben was his No. 1 candidate,” but Poles managed the process thoughtfully, avoiding premature opinions.

Poles’ first interactions as GM began in a Honda Accord at O’Hare Airport on January 24, 2022. Just three days later, Matt Eberflus was announced as the head coach. This time, under Warren’s leadership, Poles took full charge of the search.

Warren noted the meticulous nature of the interview process. “It was the most organized I’ve seen for a coach,” he said. The panel reviewed each candidate using Microsoft Teams, allowing for structured feedback through a grading system. Categories included passion, problem-solving ability, communication, and plans for quarterback development.

Poles didn’t just rely on verbal assessments; he sought written evaluations as well. Each panel member provided detailed reports that helped paint a clearer picture of the candidates. In total, the Bears interviewed 17 candidates, including Johnson, whose electric personality and innovative strategies caught Poles’ attention long before the search began.

Throughout the interviews, even virtual sessions did not stifle Johnson’s energy, impressing the team. “With a candidate like Ben, Zoom didn’t block his spirit,” McCaskey remarked. In interviews, Johnson expressed a clear desire to lead the Bears, stating, “Did I mention I want this job?” leaving a strong impression.

Poles and Johnson’s mutual interest was apparent: Poles had closely observed Johnson’s offenses during his time with the Bears and admired how they evolved and challenged defenses. Johnson recognized the unique challenge of coaching in the NFC North against formidable opponents, expressing excitement about facing tough competition.

On January 22, the Bears officially welcomed Johnson as the new head coach. Soon after, Poles made significant offensive line acquisitions, including bringing in former players Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, aiming to bolster support for Johnson’s coaching strategies.

Poles has transformed since that first meeting in the Accord. McCaskey noted his growth as a leader, emphasizing how thoroughly he approached the coaching search and his clear vision for the team. “I was impressed with how he set up the process and established rapport with candidates,” he said.

This coaching transition marks a new chapter for the Bears. With diligent planning and strategic thinking, Poles and his team hope to lead the Bears back to success in the seasons to come. For ongoing updates and in-depth coverage of their season, you can check out trusted sources like ESPN or the NFL Network.

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Chicago Bears, Sports Business