The Windy City has their man and Ryan Poles is his name.
Yesterday the Chicago Bears announced Ryan Poles, the Chiefs executive director of player personnel, as their new General Manager.
The 36-year-old returns to the Chicago organization which signed the then undrafted free agent rookie lineman back in May 2008. He was cut after training camp, but now he’s back 14 years later as the man in charge.
“It’s an honor for me to join such a well-regarded organization,” said Poles in a statement. “Together with my family, I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running to help get this organization, its fan base and the city what they deserve: a winning team and a Super Bowl trophy.”
Poles beat out at least 12 other candidates, and after the job he did with the Chiefs, it isn’t hard to understand why.
After being cut by the Bears, he returned to Boston College as a graduate assistant. Less than a year later, he moved to Kansas City as a player personnel assistant and worked his way up the ladder where he was widely recognized for his college scouting abilities.
He was part of the group that drafted quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, receiver Tyreek Hill and cornerback Marcus Peters. The first two players alone testify to his eye for talent.
Poles is the NFL’s sixth Black GM behind Chris Grier (Miami), Brad Holmes (Detroit), Martin Mayhew (Washington), Terry Fontenot (Atlanta) and Andrew Berry (Cleveland).
He earned him great interest from the Panthers and Giants, but now he’s headed back to the Windy City to help get Justin Fields some talent and get the Bears back to the postseason.
His first job? Find a head coach.
