At this stage in the season, Chicago Bears fans are left hoping for the usual remedy: an offseason overhaul to address the team’s mounting issues. Once again, the Bears have underperformed, falling short of expectations while failing to develop another young quarterback. The time to break free from these losing patterns is now. All signs point to one potential solution: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson has shown interest in the Bears’ head coaching job, and his hire could solve a significant dilemma for the Bears, particularly when it comes to general manager Ryan Poles.
How Hiring Ben Johnson Could Signal the End for Bears GM Ryan Poles
Ben Johnson’s Criteria for Potential Coaching Opportunities
Ben Johnson’s criteria for taking on a head coaching role are not about arrogance but about ensuring his long-term success. His two key requirements are:
- Alignment between the head coach and general manager.
- An owner who is willing to identify weaknesses and address them aggressively.
The Bears undeniably have issues with both general management and ownership. While ownership is a separate conversation, let’s focus on the general manager.
Ryan Poles: A Resume Under Scrutiny
Initially, Ryan Poles’ rebuild strategy—tearing down the roster to build it back up—seemed promising. However, while the teardown was executed, the rebuilding process has been far less successful.
- Overall Record: 14-36 (.280 win percentage)
- Key Roster Moves: Replaced David Montgomery, James Daniels, and Roquan Smith with D’Andre Swift, Nate Davis, and Tremaine Edmunds.
- Neglect: Failed to adequately address offensive and defensive line needs.
- Disappointing Trades: Chase Claypool, Ryan Bates, Dan Feeney, and N’Keal Harry.
- Coaching Choices: Hired Matt Eberflus and endured multiple coordinator dismissals.
- Draft Struggles: Horrible third-round picks (Velus Jones Jr., Zacch Pickens, Kiran Amegadije), with no Pro Bowlers or All-Pros drafted.
- Division Woes: A 2-15 record against NFC North opponents.
Sure, Poles fleeced the Carolina Panthers which led to the arrivals of D.J. Moore, Caleb Williams, Darnell Wright, and others. However, that can’t be one of the only good moves a general manager has made during their tenure.
The last five #Bears GMs and their win-loss records:
• Mark Hatley: 19-45 (.297)
• Jerry Angelo: 95-81 (.540)
• Phil Emery: 23-25 (.479)
• Ryan Pace: 48-65 (.425)
• RYAN POLES: 14-36 (.280)The worst win percentage a Bears GM has ever had. pic.twitter.com/XiGcUGWSZv
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) December 27, 2024
Killing Two Birds with One Stone
Ben Johnson’s demand for alignment between the head coach and general manager puts Ryan Poles’ position in jeopardy. If Johnson becomes the Bears’ head coach, it could not only address the coaching vacancy but also justify parting ways with Poles.
The logical candidate to replace Poles is Lions assistant GM Ray Agnew, whose track record in Detroit demonstrates how to construct a strong foundation. Agnew’s vision could bring much-needed cohesion to a franchise that desperately needs it.
If the Bears stick with Poles one more season, it’s hard to imagine he’ll suddenly make all the right decisions come free agency and the NFL draft. He’s been smart with the Bears’ finances, but not when it comes to actually constructing the roster. If the Bears want to save Caleb Williams, it’s best to move on from Poles before it’s too late.
Ray Agnew is the assistant GM for the Detroit Lions
Kevin Warren was in St. Louis when Agnew played for the Rams from 1998-2000.
If Ben Johnson comes to Chicago, I can't see why he wouldn't want his own GM in place when there's currently so much heat on Ryan Poles. pic.twitter.com/1GYGpJX5t5
— jamfan40 (@jamfan40) December 11, 2024
Main Image: Daniel Bartel – USA Today Sports
