Ryan Poles knew around Christmas that Ben Johnson was the guy he wanted as the next Chicago Bears head coach. He and team president Kevin Warren had extensively researched the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. His reputation as a playcaller spoke for itself, and his personality as a leader soon became apparent as well. However, the Bears GM knew he faced a serious challenge. If he wanted to lure Johnson to Chicago, the two would need to candidly discuss what happened over the past three years.
A team doesn't go 5-12 in the third year of a rebuild without something going wrong. Sure, a big part of it was picking the wrong head coach in Matt Eberflus. That said, Poles couldn't duck responsibility for some questionable roster decisions he's made. According to Albert Breer of the MMQB, the Bears GM met with Johnson 1-on-1 during their interview last week. In it, Poles didn't beat around the bush. He was up front that he'd made some clear mistakes during the first few years in charge.
First, in Poles, Johnson saw a guy who was exceptionally smart, and had made plenty of mistakes, as most folks do in a new job, over his first three years—and, as such, knew what not to do. The first part of Johnson’s Chicago interview was one-on-one with Poles, and Poles was sincere with Johnson about his early missteps, and his desire to have a coach with strong convictions and go find the right players for that coach.
Ryan Poles knows he can hide from his missteps.
Fans have made sure of that. Trading for Chase Claypool, signing Nate Davis, and drafting Velus Jones are likely the three that stand out the most. His nickel-and-dime approach to the offensive line probably isn't viewed with much reverence as well. Part of the issue has been too much of a focus on physical traits and not enough on football character. Claypool and Davis are perfect examples. Both are big guys and tremendous athletes. They're also both seriously lacking in work ethic and passion for the game.
It is clear things must change going into this off-season. Ryan Poles made sure to convey that understanding to Johnson. The two would collaborate in the evaluation process moving forward. Don't be surprised if they focus more on accomplished football players than good athletes. Ryan Pace had the same issues when he first took over ten years ago. It took a few years for him to get away from prioritizing athleticism over proven commodities. Poles seems on the same track.
