Bears retaining Poles; GM will lead coach search

The Chicago Bears aren't firing general manager Ryan Poles despite parting ways with coach Matt Eberflus after last week's loss.

"Ryan Poles is the general manager of the Chicago Bears, and he will remain the general manager of the Chicago Bears," team president Kevin Warren said Monday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Poles will reportedly play a key role in the club's search for a new head coach.

"This will be the most coveted job in the National Football League this year," Warren said, per Pelissero. "Ryan and I need to work hand in hand to make sure we bring that to life, not just from a head coach standpoint but from an entire staff standpoint."

Poles joined the Bears in 2022 after working with the Kansas City Chiefs' scouting department and front office between 2009-21.

Warren added that he's unsure if quarterback Caleb Williams will have "specific input" on the search but confirmed prospective coaches will need a plan to develop the 2024 No. 1 pick, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.