As the NFL new year is about to begin, teams are gathering in Indianapolis to get ready for the NFL Combine in Indianapolis starting Thursday. As Ryan Poles enters his fourth season as the Bears general manager, he finds himself lucky to be given a second chance with the hiring of new head coach Ben Johnson.
With the firing of both offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus middle of the season, and a 10-game losing streak, last season's 5-12 record tested the patience and loyalty of the Bears fan like never before. Poles played a massive role in hiring of both coaches as well as botched personnel decisions during his tenure.
But the goodwill from hiring Johnson may have been dampened significantly when team president Kevin Warren sent a letter to season-ticket holders recently announcing a 10% increase in season ticket prices for the 2025 season. This comes a year after they increased the price by 8%. That is a whopping 18% increase in the last two years with a 12-22 record. Needless to say, the decision is met with anger and bewilderment from many fans.
Raising tickets prices more than the team wins in games each season.
— Irish Bears Network | Ciaran (@IrishBearsShow) February 19, 2025
How about we deliver a winning product first. https://t.co/DPwuBNNofj
In a press release, Warren explained taking into account market dynamics, industry trends, and a strong home schedule. The Bears' home games for the 2025 season will feature matchups against three NFC North rivals, as well as high-profile teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers.
But there is also part of a statement where Warren mentions in his statement, "Ryan Poles and Coach Johnson will be aggressive in free agency and will also embrace the opportunities to build our roster during the 2025 NFL Draft. We currently have eight total draft picks, including three picks in the top 41 selections."
So did Warren spill the beans on their off-season plans to the season ticket holders, or is this his way of forcing Poles into spending big money in free agency? The Bears have the fourth most cap space in the league, following the releases of DeMarcus Walker and Gerald Everett. But Poles needs to start spending more this off-season to fix the offensive line, something he has not done in his three years with the Bears.
Even with renewed optimism, the decision to increase ticket prices just because Warren is confident that Johnson will elevate the team puts unfair pressure on Johnson while Poles' failure has been put in the spotlight again. But the ability of Poles and Johnson to synergize their efforts will be crucial in turning the Bears' fortunes around. Poles must do his part by spending big on free agency.