Ryan Poles knew his first big decision as GM of the Chicago Bears held massive importance. Next to picking a quarterback, nothing matters more than finding the right head coach for a franchise. He saw first-hand in Kansas City what getting that choice wrong can do. See Todd Haley and Romeo Crennel. So he had to make sure to pick the right guy. There was a boatload of media pressure on which direction he should go.
Most felt the decision was obvious. He had to find the best offensive-minded option and pair him with Justin Fields. That offered the only viable way to ensure the young quarterback could reach his potential in Chicago. Everybody expected Poles to follow that route. After all, he’d just seen it result in a Super Bowl title for the Chiefs when they hired Andy Reid. So it was an understandable surprise when Poles tabbed Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus as his guy.
When asked what led to the decision, the Bears GM cited teaching ability and leadership traits as two big selling points. The background didn’t matter. Eberflus had the character traits Poles’ felt the organization needed. Fast forward a few months, and the GM admitted on Bears All-Access that his expectations had been far exceeded.
Ryan Poles can feel Eberflus’ presence everywhere.
It isn’t because the guy is some tyrant, instilling fear in the locker room with tirades or threats. Everything is about setting a high standard and holding everybody to it. Both players and coaches. He tells them as much when he sees somebody not giving 100%. When they do, he’ll offer praise. Everybody gets the same treatment. If you work hard and do as instructed, you play. That isn’t anything groundbreaking. It’s good coaching.
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Players feel like an identity is forming. They understand what this team is supposed to be. Eberflus’ H.I.T.S principle defines everything. They’re expected to hustle, play with intensity, protect or take away the football, and be smart. When people understand their roles and responsibilities, everybody plays better. That makes the job for Ryan Poles easier too. He knows what kind of players such a system demands—great athletes with mental toughness. Provided he and Eberflus stay on the same page, this team could turn around faster than many expect.
