Chicago Bears Extend GM Ryan Poles Through 2029, Aligning Vision with New Coach Ben Johnson
CHICAGO โ The Chicago Bears have secured their future leadership, signing general manager Ryan Poles to a contract extension that runs through the 2029 season, league sources told ESPN.
The deal adds three years to Poles’ existing contract, which had two years remaining, and pairs him with new head coach Ben Johnson on matching five-year deals โ signaling a unified long-term vision for the franchise.
Poles, hired in 2022, has overseen a sweeping rebuild of the Bears, transforming the teamโs roster and culture in a short span. The move to extend him is a vote of confidence from ownership in his direction and the long-term plan heโs put in motion โ one that now hinges on No. 1 overall pick and franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.
Perhaps the most defining moment of Poles’ tenure thus far came in 2023, when he orchestrated a blockbuster trade, sending the Bearsโ No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for wide receiver DJ Moore and a haul of draft capital.
The deal not only brought a top weapon to Chicago but also allowed the Bears to regain the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, setting the stage to select Williams out of USC.
That long-term thinking and savvy asset management impressed ownership and positioned the franchise for what it hopes will be sustained success. Now, with Williams at quarterback and Johnson โ one of the most sought-after offensive minds in the NFL โ as head coach, the Bears appear ready to turn the page on a long rebuilding phase and focus on winning.
โThis is about alignment,โ a source close to the team said. โThey want to give Ryan and Ben the time and stability to build something lasting โ together.โ
Poles, a former executive with the Kansas City Chiefs, took over a roster in 2022 that was among the leagueโs oldest and least productive. Over three seasons, he has overhauled nearly every aspect of the team, including making difficult decisions on longtime veterans and acquiring young, high-upside talent through the draft and trades.
Hiring Johnson this offseason marked the next step in that process. The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator was one of the most coveted names in this yearโs coaching cycle and is expected to bring an aggressive, quarterback-friendly offense tailored to Williamsโ unique skill set.
With both Poles and Johnson under contract through 2029, the Bears have committed to a unified front office and coaching structure aimed at building a sustainable contender.
After years of inconsistency and turnover, Chicago fans may finally be witnessing the foundation of a new, promising era of Bears football.