We've Learned Every Name Involved In Chicago Bears Search Committee

The Chicago Bears have begun their search for the next head coach. It will be their fifth attempt since firing Lovie Smith in 2013 to settle that position. One can understand why fans and the local media are skeptical. Why should they believe the process will be any better this time around compared to others? The truth is they can't know for sure. All they have to go on is that this time, the organization won't be using an outside search firm to lead the way. That was the case in 2022 when they enlisted the services of former GM Bill Polian.

This time, the approach will be strictly team-driven. We even have details about who will be involved in the process. The group will consist of six names.

• Ryan Poles (General Manager)
• Kevin Warren (Team President)
• George McCaskey (Owner)
• Matt Feinstein (Bears Director of Football Administration)
• Jeff King (Senior Director of Player Personnel)
• Liz Geist (Chief HR Officer)

Some people may roll their eyes at having a committee this big. Too many cooks in the kitchen is the popular saying. In reality, these are all people the next head coach is certain to converse with once they're hired. Poles is, of course, the main personnel guy. King is one of his chief lieutenants. Warren runs the business operations. McCaskey owns the team. Feinstein is the salary cap expert, and Geist maintains a professional work environment for all employees.

The Chicago Bears aren't doing anything out of the ordinary.

Coaches must become acquainted with everybody in a football organization if they're going to run it. None of the names in that group stand out as odd choices. The coach will work with Poles, King, and Feinstein on personnel issues. Geist will instruct him on various requirements to avoid any human relations issues, which became a problem under Eberflus. Getting to know these people is essential. If any prospective head coach can't establish a working relationship with them, hiring them becomes problematic.

In truth, Poles and Warren are likely to do most of the talking throughout interviews. The others are merely there to listen and observe. They will offer their assessments of each coach from their perspectives, and the two leading men will use that information to help form a decision. There is no telling whether it will be the right one. Still, there is nothing to say this approach is a bad one. Getting multiple opinions on a candidate can help create a picture. If Ryan Pace had listened to more of his people in 2017, he wouldn't have drafted Mitch Trubisky. At least Poles is being team-oriented.