The next few days and/or weeks are going to be monumental for the Chicago Bears. Despite questions looming around the organization's lack of cohesiveness, they still have an opportunity to right some wrongs with the upcoming head coaching hire.
Regardless of what's going on between general manager Ryan Poles and president Kevin Warren, or whether their relationship is indeed better than the outside noise makes it seem, the Bears still have a huge task at hand. Poles and Warren must work together to find a head coach; one who will maximize this team's talent, instill discipline and develop quarterback Caleb Williams.
But, along with the coaching search has come other notable storylines.
The topic of Poles' contract has been a hot one as of late, with no one truly understanding the concrete status at this moment. Most believe Poles' contract runs out after the 2025 season, but the fact that this information is not fully known is just another layer to the organization's dysfunction.
Wednesday morning, known Chicago media personality David Kaplan took to social media to express some findings of his, stating that he had spoken to several folks around the NFL on Tuesday night.
Ryan Poles' contract status may not be what we all think it is
Kaplan stated that multiple agents of head coaching candidates believe Poles has two years left on his contract, not one.
But, he did go on to note:
"... a source involved when Poles was hired says he agreed to a 4 year deal when hired."
Kaplan then speculated as to whether there was another year added, when an extension may have happened, etc. Also, why wasn't this news made public, if true?
More Bears news:
Let's go back to the thought that Poles has two years left on his deal, and not just one.
If this is the case, then the entire coaching search, as we know it, has been completely turned on its head. Candidates who desire alignment and a plan for more than just one year could now be more heavily bought into the idea of coaching the Bears.
Someone like Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who specifically outlined criteria for taking a job, might truly be interested in taking the one in Chicago. If he came in knowing that he and Poles had more than just a year, together, then Johnson could have a sense of security.
Rather, if Johnson took this job under the notion that Poles could be out after his first year with the organization, then the lack of continuity might scare him off, which is precisely what's been one of the biggest worries from this fan base.
Say what you want to about Poles. He has definitely had plenty of misfires and, most notably, has failed to build the offensive line in three consecutive offseasons, now. But, if having Poles for two more years is what guarantees the Bears can get Johnson, then maybe that's exactly the kind of news this fan base needed.