LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – Coming off a frustrating 2024 season, the Bears have had a transformational offseason that has instilled them with a renewed hope for what lies ahead.
In naming Ben Johnson their new head coach in January, the Bears hired the most coveted coaching candidate available in this cycle. General manager Ryan Poles then upgraded the roster in the ensuing months before he recently landed a contract extension. Bears chairman George McCaskey understands that only the results matter, but he’s eager to see the fruits of their work.
“Everyone's hopeful,” McCaskey said Friday at Halas Hall. “Everyone's very excited, talking to the fans walking into practices. We're in the honeymoon period. We're undefeated. I think people are very excited that we got the guy that they wanted us to get, but now we need to take care of business.
“When you're successful, they say you have great culture. And when you're struggling, they say, well, there must be a problem with the culture. (Johnson) is an agent of change, that's for sure, and we’re looking for positive results from him.”
Poles’ new deal puts him on the same timeline as Johnson, as they’re now both under contract through 2029.
“We made it very clear how we feel about Ryan,” Bears president Kevin Warren said. “He is a world-class leader, he’s talented, he’s hard-working. He has a transformative thought process, which is critically important.
“Now to see the relationship that Ryan and coach Johnson have built allows us to have a chance to build a really good football team and a football program with two young leaders. I’m grateful that Ryan is here as our general manager.”
Poles is 15-36 during three years in Chicago. He led the team through a rebuilding process during the early part of his tenure. He fired former head coach Matt Eberflus last November, which opened the position for Johnson.
The Bears will host the Vikings in their season opener on Sept. 8 at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.