Ryan Poles' future with Bears could be in Ben Johnson's hands

The Chicago Bears are in the middle of a wide-ranging search for their next head coach, but many believe the obvious choice is right in front of them with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Johnson, who's considered a top candidate in this cycle, is being selective with interviews, only taking them if it's a job he'll consider. So far, he's only accepted interviews with the Bears and New England Patriots, who many believe will hire Mike Vrabel.

There have been questions about the Bears' organizational structure -- and the uncertain future of general manager Ryan Poles -- and whether it could dissuade someone like Johnson from taking the job. But it sounds like there's hope.

Bears insider Adam Hoge shared an interesting nugget that Johnson is open to working with Poles -- and, if all goes well, that could help Poles' long-term future in Chicago.

"I do believe Ben Johnson is open to working with Ryan Poles," Hoge said on the CHGO Bears Podcast. "But they need to have those conversations, they need to have those interviews. That will be a huge thing; how they hit it off. And I don't think he feels the same way about Trent Baalke in Jacksonville right now. So I do think that's a good sign. And I do think, if they do hit it off and they are aligned after the interview process, that you probably will see Ryan Poles gets a contract extension."

The terms of Poles' contract aren't confirmed, but reports have indicated he signed a four-year deal back in 2022, which would mean he has one year remaining. Typically, a new head coach would like organization alignment with the GM to ensure their job security. But that might not be the case with Johnson.

The Bears are set to interview Johnson virtually this week, with the Lions on a bye in the wild-card round, so it's up to Poles to alleviate any concerns he might have. Because if Johnson truly is the team's top target -- and he hits it off with Poles -- that could help Poles' long-term standing in the organization.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ryan Poles' future with Bears could be in Ben Johnson's hands