The Chicago Bears are getting some business done right before the all-important scouting combine in Indianapolis. Next to the Senior Bowl, it is the most pivotal pre-draft event. Every team will be there, represented by their top decision-makers. Since 2022, GM Ryan Poles and his head coach have been present. Each time, they made sure to meet with the media the day before the real action began. There was no reason to expect anything different this time around. The NFL released its schedule of when coaches and GM meet with the media. Ben Johnson would make his debut at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
Poles? That is where things got weird.
According to the schedule, the Bears GM will not speak with the media. Unless there is a last-second change, that marks the first time in four years this has happened. He is one of only three GMs who will not be present, alongside Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Miami Dolphins GM Chris Grier. It is rather odd for Poles to do this. He's never missed regularly scheduled events like this.
Are the Chicago Bears shifting their approach?
Maybe they prefer to have Johnson front and center representing the team moving forward. Poles could fade more into the background. Then again, that doesn't some likely. Chicago Bears general managers have always spoken to the public. There is no reason to think that would change. The only feasible explanation is Poles may have a private matter to deal with that day and won't be able to make his presser time. Perhaps Ian Cunningham returning for another year as assistant GM gave him the green light to take care of whatever it is. Either way, this will be a mystery people hovering in the background until answers come out, be it next week or beyond. Bears fans know better than to ignore the small details with this team.
