The last time I was writing about the Bears they were firing Ryan and Matt. Now, Chicago hired a new Ryan and Matt. Confused yet? This time was in the form of Ryan Poles, former Chiefs director of player personnel, as GM, and Matt Eberflus, former Colts defensive coordinator, as head coach.
The Process
I was pleasantly surprised when I heard how thorough and well done George McCaskey ran the process. Even though he brought in Bill Polian and kept Ted Phillips, George made the move that mattered. He essentially stole Poles from the Vikings. According to DaBearsBlog, George had not been a big part of the GM search, until he interviewed Poles. Something about Ryan Poles stood out to George and he made it clear that he wanted him. Chicago brought him in for a second interview when George pulled out a special jacket and hit the baggage claim.
George McCaskey spotted going out of his way to pick Ryan Poles up from O’Hare. Must be a very serious GM candidate pic.twitter.com/lIBlZAA1Cy
— Barstool Chicago (@barstoolchicago) January 25, 2022
Lots of opinions swirling around about whether this was corny or whatever else. I personally love it, love love, love it. He wanted his guy and he got him. Poles mentioned it in the press conference as well.
Ryan Poles said to George McCaskey: “I still can’t over the fact that you met me at baggage claim and drove me to the facility to get to know me on a deeper level.”
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) January 31, 2022
Poles Takes Over Head Coach Search
The big question once Ryan was named the GM was, how would the head coach search continue? Well, Poles took the search over. Which was huge. He asserted himself early. The list was down to Dan Quinn, Jim Caldwell, and Matt Eberflus.
There were two distinct Coach camps in the lead up to Ryan Poles’ hiring. Polian/George wanted Caldwell. Ted & rest wanted Quinn.
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) January 27, 2022
Poles went his own way.
He was given the option to bring other options in but chose not to. Eberflus was always going to be his guy.
Introductory Press Conference in Chicago
The new hires had Chicago media buzzing based on how well their press conference went. It would have been hard to expect the introduction to go any better.
“We’re gonna take the North and never give it back.”
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) January 31, 2022
– Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles
(Via Bears FB Live)
Now, this is something you probably have to say, but nonetheless, the way Poles made it seem like he was going to attack this position was refreshing. After a couple of deadbeats, it is nice to see guys excited to be there and ready to win. Eberflus is a great speaker, controls the room, showing that he is going to be a great leader. A very important aspect was that Justin Fields was present for this press conference. His being there shows how much confidence the new staff has in him to be the leader of this team.
“It definitely feels good to have a clean slate.” — Bears QB Justin Fields
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) January 31, 2022
Same Justin. Same. It will be vital for Chicago to develop Justin Fields into the star everyone knows he can be.
Assembling the Staff
The immediate question after Eberflus was hired was who is the offensive coordinator going to be. The OC in Chicago would be given full reign to the offense. A certain guarantee to a head coach spot if Fields performs well. Two names floated around and those were Pep Hamilton and Luke Getsy. Pep was brought up since he has done good work with young quarterbacks. Working with Andrew Luck, Justin Herbert, and most recently Davis Mills. Ultimately, they landed on Getsy, the Packers’ QB coach. Obviously, Green Bay’s QB play has excelled, but more importantly, Aaron Rodgers reportedly wanted him as OC.
“Boy, was he (Aaron Rodgers) fighting for Luke Getsy to be the offensive coordinator (for the #Packers). Justin Fields will have the open book with coach Luke (to tailor the gameplan to his strengths).”
— Bears Nation (@BearsNationCHI) February 1, 2022
James Jones ( @89JonesNTAF) on how much Rodgers loved Getsy.
Great to hear.
Stealing from Rodgers will always be fun. The most important part is they are building this offense around Fields. Something Matt Nagy would have never done. I am expecting a big jump for Fields in year two. The next step towards becoming a franchise quarterback that all of Chicago has been starved for, for so long. I think he is now in a position that will allow him to reach his full potential. An offense that is actually building around him. Eberflus brought his guys from the Colts to help run the defense. The safeties coach, Alan Williams was hired as the DC. The Colts’ defense plays hard and attacks the ball, so I have no issues with bringing that philosophy to Chicago.
Does the North Run Through Chicago?
The NFC North at this very moment has a lot of questions. Will Rodgers return to Green Bay? Will Adams come back with him? Is Kirk Cousins the answer in Minnesota? Detroit always has questions. A lot will be answered over the course of free agency and the remaining coaching vacancies. But what if? If Rodgers leaves, I have no issue saying the NFC North goes through Chicago. Give me a young, hungry Fields with a good defense over Kirk and the Vikings any day. Am I setting myself for disappointment and heartbreak? Sure, but that is what being a Chicago Bears fan is all about. I am going to trust Ryan Poles and be optimistic about the Bears going forward. I can feel a change.
For more Chicago Bears content be sure to follow me on Twitter! For the best sports coverage be sure to check out Belly Up Sports!
