As of right now, Ryan Poles is still the GM of the Chicago Bears. The latest information available says he will lead the search for the next head coach. Until that changes, fans can only go by this. If he is the one making the final call, who will he pick? Optimism is dangerously low. Poles was the one who signed off on hiring Matt Eberflus in 2023 and then keeping him after 2023 despite preparing to draft a quarterback. His lack of ability to sense what a real leader looks like is a glaring red flag.
So what will he do with this second chance? Albert Breer of the MMQB has strong connections to Halas Hall. He was asked on Kap & J.Hood for ESPN 1000 if he had any interesting nuggets. Here, he hatched a fascinating update. He believes former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is probably at the top of the Bears’ list. He has ties to Poles from their time together in Kansas City when the GM was a scout, and the coach was finishing up his playing career. Both also have a relationship with former Patriots de facto GM Scott Pioli.
It isn’t surprising Ryan Poles would prefer this route.
He wants a tough-minded leader for his team. There is no question that Vrabel fits that profile. His teams were known for their discipline and physicality in Tennessee. He got a lot out of what was mostly average rosters during his six years there, posting four winning seasons and three playoff appearances. If there is someone who embodies Chicago-style football, it would be Vrabel. The problem is whether team president Kevin Warren is of the same mindset. While he may have indicated Poles is running the search, all signs point to him having the most power inside that building.
Other insiders have insisted the Bears are focused on finding a top offensive head coach to pair with Caleb Williams. The obvious reasoning is to give the young quarterback stability as he works to develop. It is perfectly logical. Ben Johnson and Joe Brady are already names getting some attention. That said, some experts wonder if they have the leadership traits to handle a huge market like Chicago. Ryan Poles seems to think Vrabel is the best equipped for that job.
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Time will tell if the coach has certain demands the Bears can’t meet or if he has another job in mind.
