In terms of their future, the Chicago Bears are officially doubling down. On Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the team extended general manager Ryan Poles’ contract in a multi-year deal, keeping him in Chicago through 2029. It’s a bold move considering the Bears are just 15-36 under Poles’ leadership and have missed the playoffs in each of his three seasons.
Despite the lack of major success so far, the front office believes the groundwork is in place for something special.
Former Chicago Quarterback Speaks Up on Poles’ Extension
Dan Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback and current analyst, shared his reaction on X after the news broke, capturing the sentiments of many fans.
“Built a really strong roster now and for future. See if QB and HC combo is magic….?”
Built a really strong roster now and for future. See if QB and HC combo is magic….? https://t.co/n40CdSEjK7
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) July 11, 2025
The biggest question hanging over the Bears now: Can new head coach Ben Johnson and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams make it work?
When the Bears selected Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it was arguably Poles’ most consequential move to date. While the team struggled overall, Williams flashed his potential, throwing for more than 3,500 yards and rushing for nearly 500 more. Still, he showed signs of needing better protection and offensive structure.
Johnson, hired this summer following a successful stint as offensive coordinator in Detroit, will be tasked with bringing that structure. The Bears are betting that this head coach–quarterback pairing will finally stabilize the franchise.
Offensive-Focused Draft Suggests Bears Are All In for 2025
Poles underscored his commitment to offense in the 2025 draft. To help protect Williams, he selected offensive tackle Colston Loveland of Michigan at No. 10 overall, tight end Colston Loveland, and wide receiver Luther Burden III at No. 39. On paper, the offense looks promising with Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore in the receiving corps, plus a healthy D’Andre Swift in the backfield.
But this season, there must be answers. The Bears haven’t had a winning record since 2018 and have missed the playoffs since 2020. With the NFC North being one of the league’s toughest divisions, there is little margin for error.
Poles’ extension focuses on the future rather than just the past. Now that he has his coach and quarterback, he has five years to demonstrate that this rebuild is about more than having faith in the squad.