A few days ago, it was revealed that Ryan Poles was trying to nudge the Chicago Bears away from committing to a full push for Ben Johnson as the next head coach. It was suggested that much of the issue centered around a fear that the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator would try to drive him out of the GM position so a replacement the coach is familiar with could be brought in. Despite this, reports came out that Johnson will interview with the Bears this week, one of only two he's accepted.
That makes it clear he is interested in the job. Here is where it gets interesting. According to insider Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado, almost everybody inside Halas Hall wants to get Johnson. He's highly thought of in the building. Poles isn't just leading a resistance—he is the resistance. Allbright described him as "skeptical" of Johnson. The belief is that the young coach is seeking somebody willing to give him a considerable say in roster decisions.
Ryan Poles clearly doesn't want to give up his power.
Not too long ago, there was a theory that this was partly why he chose to hire Matt Eberflus in 2022. Poles didn't want to deal with somebody who would constantly battle him about roster decisions. Eberflus was desperate for a job since he was facing the prospect of getting fired as Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator. Poles, perhaps subconsciously, sensed the desperation and knew the coach wouldn't raise too much of a fuss about his personnel moves. It sounds like that would be something Johnson won't let fly.
As any head coach would, he has specific ideas about the type of team he wants to build. To fulfill that vision, he needs the right players. There is a possibility this could conflict with Ryan Poles' vision for the team, which is why the GM is skeptical. It is somewhat surprising he holds this stance, considering Andy Reid was given considerable roster sway when he arrived in Kansas City in 2013. Then again, Reid already had an established reputation as a winner. Johnson does not.
