As the Chicago Bears face another disappointing season, all eyes are on their front office and coaching staff. The 2024 season has raised a crucial question: Should the Bears retain general manager Ryan Poles, or would a fresh start at the top be the key to unlocking their potential? Alongside this dilemma, there’s speculation about who might be brought in as the next head coach of the team, with names like Pete Carroll and Kliff Kingsbury surfacing in discussions. This blog post explores these pressing issues: Would keeping Poles deter a top coaching candidate? And do Carroll and Kingsbury have legitimate chances to land in Chicago?
### Would Retaining GM Ryan Poles Deter a Top Coaching Candidate?
One of the most significant decisions facing the Bears’ front office is whether or not to retain Ryan Poles as general manager. Poles, hired in 2022, has overseen a rebuilding phase in Chicago, but his tenure has been filled with mixed results. While there have been some positive moves—such as the trade for DJ Moore and acquiring additional draft capital—the Bears have yet to make a significant leap toward contention. As the season progresses and the team struggles with inconsistency, there’s mounting pressure to evaluate whether Poles’ vision aligns with the direction the team needs to go.
But would retaining Poles be a deterrent for a top coaching candidate?
In short: it might. While Poles is still in the midst of building his vision for the team, some coaching candidates may view his retention as a potential obstacle. Here’s why:
**1. Control Over Roster and Decision-Making**
A new head coach is often looking for control over the team’s roster and personnel decisions, especially when it comes to their own staff. If the Bears retain Poles, the new head coach might feel like they’re being handed a roster that’s not fully aligned with their style or philosophy. While Poles has made moves to bolster the roster, the team’s identity still feels uncertain—especially on offense—and some coaching candidates might want the freedom to shape the roster according to their system.
**2. Stability vs. Change**
Hiring a head coach with a strong personality or a proven track record often goes hand-in-hand with a new front-office structure. The Bears’ current situation is unique in that they have a GM still relatively new to the job, and one who is still figuring out how to build a competitive roster. Some top coaching candidates may want the stability of knowing they’ll have a seat at the table when it comes to personnel decisions. If the Bears were to move on from Poles, a new GM could align with the new head coach to create a more unified, clear vision for the future.
**3. Potential for Dysfunction**
Sometimes, a team can become mired in internal dysfunction if there’s a lack of alignment between the general manager and the head coach. A top-tier coaching candidate might fear that, if Poles remains, they could be walking into a situation where their ability to affect change is constrained. In the past, teams like the New York Giants and Denver Broncos have faced issues when coaching candidates have clashed with front office executives. A top candidate may prefer the simplicity of a clean slate where they can establish their own culture without interference.
Despite these concerns, some candidates may also see retaining Poles as a positive. A GM who’s proven to be focused on the long-term build could be appealing to a coach looking to institute a stable program rather than go through a full roster overhaul. Ultimately, a lot will depend on how much autonomy the coaching candidate believes they will have in working with Poles. A collaborative relationship could be a win-win, but if Poles and the new coach have competing visions, it could spell trouble.
### Are Pete Carroll and Kliff Kingsbury Legitimate Options?
The idea of bringing in established head coaches like Pete Carroll or Kliff Kingsbury has raised eyebrows in recent weeks. Both are intriguing names, but are they truly viable options for the Bears?
**Pete Carroll: Is He Realistic for Chicago?**
Pete Carroll is one of the most successful and respected coaches in the NFL, having led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory and maintaining consistent success over a long period. However, the idea of Carroll leaving Seattle to join the Bears seems highly unlikely.
**Age and Tenure**
At 73 years old, Carroll is at the tail end of his coaching career. While he has shown no signs of slowing down, a move to a new franchise—especially one in the midst of a rebuild—seems improbable. Carroll would likely prefer to remain in Seattle or retire on his terms, having already achieved so much with the Seahawks. The Bears would need to offer a compelling case—perhaps the opportunity to work with Justin Fields or their draft picks—to lure Carroll away from a team he has led for over a decade. However, this is a long shot. Carroll’s focus now seems to be on trying to win one more title with the Seahawks, not taking on a new challenge.
**Kliff Kingsbury: Could He Fit in Chicago?**
Kliff Kingsbury, on the other hand, presents a more realistic option. Kingsbury, who was fired after a disappointing end to his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals, has strong ties to the NFL’s offensive culture, particularly as a former quarterback and as the architect of an innovative offense in Arizona. His background as an offensive-minded coach could appeal to the Bears, who have been struggling to develop their young quarterback, Justin Fields.
**A Fresh Start for Kingsbury**
Kingsbury could be attracted to the challenge of rebuilding with a talented quarterback in Fields. The Bears have several promising young players and ample draft capital, making them an enticing project for a coach like Kingsbury, who is known for his offensive scheming. If Poles remains as GM, Kingsbury could see this as an opportunity to implement his offensive system, potentially turning the Bears into an exciting team with a dynamic quarterback at the helm.
However, Kingsbury’s lack of success as a head coach in Arizona raises questions. While he helped develop a high-powered offense with Kyler Murray, his inability to lead the Cardinals to a sustained level of success—coupled with the team’s underperformance late in the season—was a major factor in his firing. Kingsbury may need to prove that he can build a winning culture, not just an offensive scheme, which could be a challenge in Chicago’s tough NFC North division.
### Conclusion
As the Bears look ahead to the 2024 offseason, two central questions loom large: should they retain Ryan Poles as GM, and are Pete Carroll or Kliff Kingsbury realistic options for head coach?
The decision on Poles will be a major factor in shaping the Bears’ future. His retention could be both a blessing and a curse, depending on how much control and influence the next head coach is willing to accept. The best-case scenario is a collaborative relationship, but it’s unclear if top-tier coaching candidates would be willing to take that risk.
As for Pete Carroll, the chances of him leaving Seattle are slim. The Bears’ rebuilding project might not align with his desire to compete for one more Super Bowl with the Seahawks. Kingsbury, however, could be a more plausible choice. With his offensive background and potential to work with Fields, he could bring the fresh perspective and offensive innovation that the Bears desperately need. But the jury’s still out on whether he can truly lead a team to sustained success.
Ultimately, the Bears’ front office has some tough decisions to make. Whether they stay the course with Poles or make a change, the next few months will determine whether Chicago can finally turn the corner and become a contender once again.