
Poles Pledges Higher Standards for a Hungry Bears in 2026
After Chicago’s season-ending OT loss to the Rams, Bears GM Ryan Poles said the organization isn’t finished raising the standard, praising first-year coach Ben Johnson, the front-office/coaching collaboration, and the development of young players like Darnell Wright, Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III. He stressed progress without complacency, noted injuries and potential free-agent moves (including Kevin Byard), and signaled big roster decisions as the team shifts to 2026, aiming for a championship-caliber identity rather than the “Cardiac Bears” label, with Soldier Field’s playoff atmosphere fueling higher expectations.













