Chicago Bears fans were already teetering on the edge with Ryan Poles going into this year. Many weren't comfortable giving him the chance to hire a new head coach. Team president Kevin Warren felt Poles was young and still learning. They gave him a chance to prove something. He reeled in Ben Johnson from Detroit. That was enough to convince ownership to hand him a three-year extension, lining up the two contracts. However, things have changed over the past couple of months.
The Bears, once again filled with optimism, were summarily disabused of it by two crushing defeats at the hands of Minnesota and Detroit. It is becoming uncomfortably clear Poles' roster is still deeply flawed. They don't have a viable pass rush, remain weak at left tackle, and worst of all, seem to mentally fracture whenever adversity hits. None of his latest draft picks has made an impact. Stories have begun surfacing about his lack of leadership and unfounded arrogance. The calls for his head are getting louder. Would the Bears dare consider firing him so soon after that extension?
If they do, Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron revealed what it will likely cost.
What’s the solution? Ryan Poles had two years left on his contract, and the Bears decided to tack an additional three years onto that with an extension. Ryan Poles is under contract for five more years.
The Bears ate probably $15 million of Matt Eberflus’ contract to send him packing. Would they be willing to eat probably $15 million more to send away Ryan Poles? Would they be willing to do it a full year before his contract extension even begins?
That seems doubtful, but the Bears had never fired a coach midseason until last season, so it’s possible that things could change.
Eating Ryan Poles' contract would be pennies for the Bears.
Keep in mind, they are currently paying Montez Sweat almost double that $15 million number. He has one sack in his last eight games. It isn't like the Bears have shied away from cutting their losses on bad investments. Nate Davis was released after barely one season despite making $10 million a year. Eddie Jackson was released in 2024 while making $14.6 million. If you can eat the money regarding those guys, it shouldn't be difficult to do so at your front office's most important position.
Let's be honest. Money isn't what deters the McCaskeys from making such a move. They're billionaires. They will make back the $15 million in no time. It is a perception issue. They fear that firing Ryan Poles mere months after extending him will make them look clueless.
Well, here's the harsh truth: That ship sailed years ago. Fans and media have known the McCaskeys are woefully unskilled owners for years. Why hurt the organization further by keeping a total incompetent in charge? Bite the bullet and do the right thing.
