It’s not just that the Chicago Bears were able to successfully land Ben Johnson as their new head coach that still registers as a ‘wow” moment for me. However, that still remains an impressive accomplishment when you consider that sticking the landing isn’t this franchise’s forte. But more than that, it is the extent that front office and ownership went to in order to secure its new head coach. And on top of all that, it sounds like Johnson’s hiring could result in continued alignment with the Bears’ general manager.
In a must-read piece by ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, details emerge regarding how Chicago’s football team was able to reel in Ben Johnson as its new head coach. There are a handful of intriguing anecdotes in the story, so I would encourage you to give it a full and thorough read when you get a chance. But in the meantime, I’ll share my favorite tidbit, which is a two-parter. It begins with the Bears backing up the trucks to give Johnson a bag but also includes a nugget about General Manager Ryan Poles’ future with the team (bold emphasis mine):
According to a team source with knowledge of the situation, Poles’ deal runs through the 2026 season, and the expectation is he will receive an extension to align him with Johnson, who signed a five-year contract with Chicago, a term that is common for first-time head coaches.
What’s less common for first-time head coaches are substantial salaries. He’s believed to be making $13 million per year, whereas Eberflus made $6 million. As one source put it, the Bears “didn’t cut corners” when it came to paying Johnson.
The Chicago Bears appear to be putting GM Ryan Poles and Head Coach Ben Johnson on the same timeline. It’s only something we have been asking for since the toxic cycle of doom began years ago.
MORE: Ben Johnson Named PWFA Assistant Coach of the Year
Traditionally, the Bears do not offer public comments regarding the contracts of coaches or front-office members. When asked about his contract status during the team’s year-in-review press conference in early January, Poles deflected questions and avoided the topic. So, with that being said, it must’ve taken some incredible reporting by Cronin to unearth (1) Ben Johnson’s contract details, (2) open a window to Poles’ contract status, and (3) lay out the news that Chicago’s general manager is expected to get an extension that lines him up with his new head coach. You’ve gotta tip your cap for a job well done.
Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles are in this together
If you allow yourself to take a step back and view the Ryan Poles era with an eye on the big picture, you might come to a similar conclusion to me in viewing his time as Bears GM to this point to be fascinating.
In one breath, you can point out the success stories. Trading the No. 1 pick in 2022 for a generational haul could turn out to be a king-maker deal if Caleb Williams truly develops into a franchise quarterback. Additionally, Poles has drafted some solid starters (Kyler Gordon, Darnell Wright, Braxton Jones, Gervon Dexter Sr.) and players with upside (Rome Odunze, Tyrique Stevenson). Poles has had some solid moments in free agency, too, highlighted by the signings of Andrew Billings, Kevin Byard, and T.J. Edwards.
Oh … and he hired Ben Johnson to be his team’s new head coach. That goes in the win column for Ryan Poles, too.
But in another breath, the misses are a painful reminder of missed opportunities. Nate Davis was a free-agent bust. And while I can’t say the same about Tremaine Edmunds, the financial investment in the linebacker after trading away Roquan Smith (who has turned into a star since leaving) remains a head-scratcher. The Chase Claypool trade is an ugly whiff. Plus, the failure to build an offensive line in front of Justin Fields and Caleb Williams doesn’t sit right with anyone.
HERE IS WHAT RYAN POLES HAD TO SAY ABOUT HIRING BEN JOHNSON
With that being said, the past is the past โ and it sure looks like the Chicago Bears are preparing for a future in which Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles are joined at the hip. This pairing has the potential to work out in a big way for the Bears. If Poles can make adjustments to his free agency and NFL Draft decision-making calculus en route to reeling in some top talent, then the missteps that came before will soon feel like a distant memory. If Johnson and his staff can coach up the talent on the roster, then the first three years of the Poles regime will likely be viewed as water under the bridge.
Ultimately, what matters most here is that the organization has finally put its money where its mouth is when it comes to making the Bears a better franchise. It starts with paying a head coach at the top of the market. Soon enough, the time will come to match that investment with players who can make a difference.