Yahoo Sports Bears didn't force Matt Eberflus hire on GM Ryan Poles
With the offseason on the horizon for the Chicago Bears, there are some important decisions to be made about the future of this organization. That starts with hiring a new head coach following the firing of Matt Eberflus. But could they also be looking to replace general manager Ryan Poles?
While Eberflus received most of the heat, and rightfully so, for his role in his 14-32 record in roughly three seasons, Poles also deserves a share of the blame for the roster construction -- notably not dedicating resources to the offensive line and neglecting the trenches -- as well as his decision to hire Eberflus in the first place.
In Poles' defense, he was hired just two days before the Bears hired Eberflus back in 2022. Poles didn't get to conduct his own search for a head coach, rather he was handed three finalists: Eberflus, Dan Quinn and Jim Caldwell.
But, according to the Chicago Tribune's Dan Wiederer, Eberflus was never forced on Poles. While Poles wasn't involved in the coaching search before being handed the finalists, he did make the decision to hire Eberflus. But perhaps the most egregious move was the decision to retain Eberflus last offseason, when there was an opportunity to start anew with incoming quarterback Caleb Williams.
To be clear, Eberflus was never forced on Poles — at least not by anyone employed at Halas Hall. The two share representation in agent Trace Armstrong and, per Poles’ account, had become friendly after meeting years back through mutual acquaintances.
Eberflus also came highly recommended in 2022 by Colts GM Chris Ballard, who spent 12 seasons in the Bears organization (2001-12) and also worked with Poles for four years with the Kansas City Chiefs (2013-16).
Also don’t forget that the Bears’ 2022 coaching search was spearheaded by an outside consultant: Bill Polian, whose 14 seasons in the Colts organization left him, for better or worse, with deeper connections inside that franchise.
There have been reports about a power struggle between Poles and president Kevin Warren in the past 20 months. But according to Wiederer, Poles has privately worried that his power as GM might slowly lose strength if Warren were to put his foot down with final say.
Could Poles and the Bears part ways this offseason to allow Warren to bring in his handpicked general manager to align with the new head coach? That remains to be seen. But there's been plenty of noise surrounding the possibility.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears didn't force Matt Eberflus hire on GM Ryan Poles
