Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles met with the media for the final time this season on Wednesday at Halas Hall. Poles didn’t sound like a general manager ready to take a victory lap, even after Chicago’s success in 2025.
When he met with reporters at Halas Hall following the Bears’ season-ending overtime loss to the Rams, Poles struck a tone that mirrored his head coach’s: appreciative, clear-eyed, and unsatisfied. The 2025 season delivered real progress and real momentum, but in Poles’ view, that only raises the standard; it doesn’t lower it.
“We didn’t reach the goals we wanted to hit, and that’s to be a championship-caliber team. That’ll never change,” Poles said. “I am proud of the progress we made. Knowing that, we can’t be complacent.”
That balance — pride without comfort — ran through everything Poles said. The Bears won more games, hosted playoff football at Soldier Field, and felt the city fully behind them again. But Poles was quick to emphasize that progress only matters if it leads somewhere.
“I am proud of the progress we made. We can’t be complacent. There are some big decisions we have to make. I am excited about that.”
David Banks-Imagn ImagesOne of the clearest signs of the Bears’ momentum came from the stands. Poles made a point to thank the fan base, noting the impact of the environment during the postseason run.
“They brought it. I have never seen Soldier Field like that before. We felt that.”
That atmosphere, Poles suggested, was earned — and something the organization has to keep chasing. It also begs the question, at least for me, whether a move from Soldier Field would lessen the advantage the Bears had in these playoffs. I’m fully aware of the financial incentive to build a climate-controlled stadium and the commercial development that could come with it, but selfishly, I really loved seeing Soldier Field’s crowd have the impact it did on those games. But that’s a conversation for another space.
Poles also took time to praise first-year head coach Ben Johnson, brushing aside the idea that Johnson ever looked like a rookie on the job.
“He talked about being a first-time coach, it didn’t feel that way at all.”
The collaboration between the coaching staff and front office was another recurring theme. Poles pointed to tangible results from that alignment, particularly in how young players developed throughout the season.
“Drafting and developing, that’s the ultimate collaboration between the front office and coaching staff,” Poles said. “You could really see it coming to life this year.”
One of the clearest examples, in Poles’ eyes, was right tackle Darnell Wright.
“It was steady throughout the season. I love watching him come off the ball and move people. I think it started in the weight room last year.”
I would argue that Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III were as telling as any examples on Chicago’s roster this season.
Mike Dinovo-Imagn ImagesRyan Poles Isn’t Done Raising the Standard in Chicago
As much as the press conference focused on progress, Poles was also direct about areas that need to change. Late-game drama may have made for memorable finishes, but it’s not an identity he’s eager to embrace.
“I don’t think you can be satisfied. I heard the whole Cardiac Bears thing. I’d rather not be the Cardiac Bears,” Poles said. “What you can take from this season is we were able to have poise down the stretch of games, poise to finish, and guys made plays when they needed to be made. I don’t think you should ever shy away from those characteristics.”
Health and roster construction are now front and center as the Bears turn the page to 2026. Poles shared updates on several injured players, noting that cornerback Jaylon Johnson has a “minor” wrist injury that won’t require surgery. Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo and linebacker Noah Sewell both underwent surgery, with Trapilo expected to be out “deep into next year.” Jordan McFadden played through an ankle injury against the Rams, while T.J. Edwards, Shemar Turner, Dayo Odeyingbo, Terell Smith, Zah Frazier, and Kiran Amegadjie are all rehabbing for next season.
When it came to free agency, Poles acknowledged that all four Bears safeties are set to hit the market, but he didn’t hide his interest in bringing one key piece back.
“That’s a player that we would like to have back,” Poles said of All-Pro Kevin Byard III.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesAnd then there’s the quarterback.
Asked about Caleb Williams’ jaw-dropping touchdown throw to Cole Kmet, Poles laughed — and didn’t bother trying to downplay it.
“I couldn’t believe it. It was a ridiculous throw. Credit to him and his genetics and arm.”
It was the kind of moment that encapsulated the Bears’ season: flashes of brilliance, belief building, and a reminder of what’s possible — paired with the understanding that possibility alone isn’t enough.
Poles made it clear that the Bears are closer than they were a year ago. He also made it just as clear that closeness doesn’t count for much in January.
Progress was acknowledged. Expectations were raised. And the work, as Poles sees it, is just beginning.
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