Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is in charge of finding the team’s next head coach and is open to exploring all possibilities to find the right candidate.
When asked during his season-ending press conference on Tuesday if he would consider trading for a head coach, Poles said, “We’ll look at all avenues to get the best coach here.”
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is reportedly receiving interest from multiple NFL teams. O’Connell, 39, stated on Monday that he wants to stay in Minnesota, but the idea of teams potentially using draft picks to trade for him has sparked discussion.
The Bears will begin their first round of interviews this week, considering both college and NFL candidates. Poles emphasized four key traits he is looking for in the new head coach: clear vision, a developmental mindset, strong game management, and a plan to develop a quarterback. He also mentioned that some surprising names will be considered, as the team is casting a “wide net” in their search.
“We’re looking for clear vision, a developmental mindset, really good game management, and obviously a plan to develop a quarterback is going to be a key part of that as well,” Poles said. “There’s going to be some names that you don’t expect that are going to surprise you because we’re digging deeper than we ever have before.”
The Bears recently requested an interview with Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
They are also planning interviews with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, among others.
The team also sought permission to interview Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, but as of Tuesday, Dallas has not yet responded to the request.
“There’s going to be some names that you don’t expect that are going to surprise you because we’re digging deeper than we ever have before,” Poles said about the coaching search.
Poles also noted that the development of quarterback Caleb Williams will be an important factor in choosing the next head coach. However, he is not focusing solely on hiring an offensive coach, despite the importance of Williams’ development in his second season.
“For a young quarterback, obviously, there’s an ideal fit,” Poles said. “But at the end of the day, you got to look at all the characteristics of what you’re looking for in a head coach, and then you got to see what’s the best bundle of those to bring in the building.
Obviously, we’re talking about leadership, accountability, some of those important things that carry over. Regardless of what the situation is, those have to be there.”
Poles also reflected on the Bears’ 5-12 finish, admitting that the team’s focus shifted too much to outcomes instead of process. He explained that the excitement around landing Williams with the No. 1 pick led the Bears to overlook important details, accountability, and the ability to handle critical moments.
“It has been a long season where those Mondays have been very, very difficult to review after we have come up short,” Poles said. “And I have to take responsibility as the leader of the football operation for that. And I also have to make sure that we find solutions to make sure that we don’t make that mistake again and we can continue to improve.”
Bears chairman George McCaskey and president/CEO Kevin Warren reaffirmed that Poles will be in charge of hiring the team’s next head coach.
Along with Poles, the interview panel will include director of football administration Matt Feinstein, senior director of player personnel Jeff King, chief administrative officer Ted Crews, and chief HR officer Liz Geist. Assistant general manager Ian Cunningham will also participate when possible, as he is seeking general manager opportunities.
Although Poles, who was hired in January 2022, did not clarify whether he has received a contract extension, McCaskey stated that having the contracts of the general manager and head coach aligned is not necessary to attract the best candidate.
“I don’t think so. In the interviews that I have participated in, that has never been a factor,” McCaskey said. “No one has ever come in and said, ‘I’m not going to come here unless the general manager and I are on the same timeline.’ So, I don’t think that’s going to be a factor.”
