Bears Grapple With Coaching Search, Stadium Plans, and Power Struggles

The Bears are simultaneously searching for yet another new head coach and trying to solidify plans to build a new stadium. Does the storied NFL franchise need a new front office structure, too?

Questions about the team’s power dynamics were a common theme during end-of-season media availability for Bears owner and chairman George McCaskey, president and CEO Kevin Warren, and GM Ryan Poles on Tuesday.

McCaskey said he doesn’t think the team’s vertical leadership structure—the coach reports to the GM, who reports to the president, who reports to the owner—would be a deal-breaker for coaching candidates. 

“I haven’t ever experienced anyone saying that,” McCaskey said. “Usually they want the job.” Many successful franchises—like the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs—have coaches and GMs who report directly to ownership.

The Bears finished this season 5–12 and saw an influx of Lions fans at Solider Field in Week 16. “The challenge for us is to put a team on the field that Bears fans are so excited about, they’re not interested in selling their tickets,” McCaskey said.

Who’s Really in Charge?

Even though Poles, who was hired in 2022 alongside former coach Matt Eberflus, is said to be leading the new coaching search, questions remain about how the process will play out. 

“I think with Ryan’s leadership and the process that he’s outlined, and with guidance from Kevin, Ryan’s going to make the best decision,” McCaskey said. 

Beyond Warren’s influence, senior and executive vice presidents on the team’s business side will be involved in some phases of coaching interviews. “It’s really important—Kevin and I talk about it all the time—the continuity between football and business,” Poles said.

Poles also said speculation about a rift between him and Warren, who was hired after the GM in 2023, “couldn’t be further from the truth.”

The Cowboys reportedly denied a request from the Bears to interview their coach, Mike McCarthy, whose contract expires Jan. 14, according to ESPN.

Stadium Update

Aside from hiring a new coach, Warren said his goal is to have “shovels in the ground” for a new stadium in 2025. 

While the focus remains on building downtown adjacent to Soldier Field, which is projected to cost at least $4.7 billion and has serious funding complications, Warren wouldn’t rule out keeping the team’s options open in Arlington Heights, where the Bears own 326 acres of land.