“The Caleb Williams draft pick was the most embarrassing lack of a process — a fair, impartial process to scouting — that I’ve ever seen in my life." Take a seat inside Chicago's draft meetings.
This is good old fashioned investigative journalism here. I feel like I can smell cigarettes and burnt coffee…I’m waiting for Woodward and Bernstein to walk by. My guess is that you are going to get some hate from this piece, Tyler. But you did the damn thing anyway. I’m proud of you. I’d bet a lot of money that Bob McGinn is beaming with pride when he reads this series. Thank you for this work!
Yea reading this makes me so happy I picked the Packers as my favorite team when I was 8 years old because I was an Ahman Green fan because he was from where I was from. The dysfunction in the Bears organization is shocking and Poles should not be in charge of a Bed Bath and Beyond let alone an NFL organization. This is all going to crash and burn.
How does anyone have any respect for Poles after this? not sure how he keeps his job. Tyler do you think Ben had anything to do with these former employees going public? I feel like Ben wants Bagent starting and Poles still wants Caleb. All this negative stuff about both Caleb and Poles going public seems like the quickest path to Ben accomplishing that. Power struggle?
I’m devastated as a life long Bears fan who knew Walter Payton and his wife personally. From the top of the organization not getting the GM right and it’s looking like Warren can’t get the stadium done as promised. The owners are not hiring the right football people to lead the Bears to success. I do believe in Johnson but it sounds like he is surrounded by the wrong leadership.
As a long-time Vikes fan, thanking my lucky stars that the Bears made sure to sign Poles after his interview there. Kwesi has certainly had his well-documented drafting struggles, but seems like a much more well-run organization... and he's been killing it with FAs/UDFAs. Can't wait for the Caleb / JJ Mac matchup on Monday. Really an absolutely amazing work of journalism.
This is an excellent, well-researched article that provides in-depth reporting on both Williams and the problematic system that led to his being a first pick. Of course, sources for topics this sensitive will be anonymous, especially if the team refuses to respond. Readers must make their own determination about credibility. Unfortunately, this article explains so much about the QB's failures in the huddle *in his second year* and his inability to perform for a coach like Johnson. The ultimate proof will be in the pudding. Part II, about Poles and his decision-making process, should be a case study for an MBA class. I can see what's coming in Part III--why this ownership (the American equivalent of royalty) is so bad at providing GM oversight. Maybe Warren will change that equation for them. If this article is half-true, he'll have some tough decisions to make in the next few months.
With two years remaining on his contract, The McCaskeys gave Poles a 3 year extension in July 2025. How can ownership be so out of touch? There is a reason the Bears have been mostly irrelevant for decades. It always goes back to ownership.
Start Tyson Bagent. Fire Poles. Trade Williams. Bagent is a Tom Brady intellect and talent. He will take the Bears to multiple Super Bowls. Bears already know Caleb is a bust. Cut your losses. Move 9n. Bagent is the future.
This is an excellent, well-researched article that provides in-depth reporting on both Williams and the problematic system that led to his being a first pick. Of course, sources for topics this sensitive will be anonymous, especially if the team refuses to respond. Readers must make their own determination about credibility. Unfortunately, this article explains so much about the QB's failures in the huddle *in his second year* and his inability to perform for a coach like Johnson. The ultimate proof will be in the pudding. Part II, about Poles and his decision-making process, should be a case study for an MBA class. I can see what's coming in Part III--why this ownership (the American equivalent of royalty) is so bad at providing GM oversight. Maybe Warren will change that equation for them. If this article is half-true, he'll have some tough decisions to make in the next few months.
As a longtime Redskins fan, dating back to Jurgenson Taylor etc and then having lived thru the Snyder years, this article brings both relief and PTSD tremors as well. There’s no doubt in my mind tbat the Snyder regime, if still at the helm, would have traded their entire next two drafts for the rights to this hometown kid in the hope of selling tickets. Good luck Chitown.
This is a well done and obviously well researched piece. Journalism at an elite level.
This is good old fashioned investigative journalism here. I feel like I can smell cigarettes and burnt coffee…I’m waiting for Woodward and Bernstein to walk by. My guess is that you are going to get some hate from this piece, Tyler. But you did the damn thing anyway. I’m proud of you. I’d bet a lot of money that Bob McGinn is beaming with pride when he reads this series. Thank you for this work!
Just finished part 2. As a non-bears fan, reading this objectively, I'm stunned. If this works out, I'll be MORE STUNNED.
Yea reading this makes me so happy I picked the Packers as my favorite team when I was 8 years old because I was an Ahman Green fan because he was from where I was from. The dysfunction in the Bears organization is shocking and Poles should not be in charge of a Bed Bath and Beyond let alone an NFL organization. This is all going to crash and burn.
How does anyone have any respect for Poles after this? not sure how he keeps his job. Tyler do you think Ben had anything to do with these former employees going public? I feel like Ben wants Bagent starting and Poles still wants Caleb. All this negative stuff about both Caleb and Poles going public seems like the quickest path to Ben accomplishing that. Power struggle?
I’m devastated as a life long Bears fan who knew Walter Payton and his wife personally. From the top of the organization not getting the GM right and it’s looking like Warren can’t get the stadium done as promised. The owners are not hiring the right football people to lead the Bears to success. I do believe in Johnson but it sounds like he is surrounded by the wrong leadership.
Do you believe there should be new owners in Chicago?
Speaking as a commanders fan, the bears absolutely need new ownership and it can change everything. Fish rots from the head.
Man you ain't lying! I'm forever greatful to Ryan Poles for taking Caleb Williams!
Yes!
I agree. Especially after reading these 3 articles. Holy cow they should sell. But as a packers fans…..LONG LIVE THE MCCASKEYS!!
As a long-time Vikes fan, thanking my lucky stars that the Bears made sure to sign Poles after his interview there. Kwesi has certainly had his well-documented drafting struggles, but seems like a much more well-run organization... and he's been killing it with FAs/UDFAs. Can't wait for the Caleb / JJ Mac matchup on Monday. Really an absolutely amazing work of journalism.
Good GMs are as rare as good quarterbacks. Looks like Chicago may not have either. Good work here, Tyler.
That last play vs Detroit and how it developed, or how it was supposed to develop, is quite fascinating.
I believe the article. It lines up with everything from end of 2023 season to now. The comments and reports from coaches and players supports it.
This is an excellent, well-researched article that provides in-depth reporting on both Williams and the problematic system that led to his being a first pick. Of course, sources for topics this sensitive will be anonymous, especially if the team refuses to respond. Readers must make their own determination about credibility. Unfortunately, this article explains so much about the QB's failures in the huddle *in his second year* and his inability to perform for a coach like Johnson. The ultimate proof will be in the pudding. Part II, about Poles and his decision-making process, should be a case study for an MBA class. I can see what's coming in Part III--why this ownership (the American equivalent of royalty) is so bad at providing GM oversight. Maybe Warren will change that equation for them. If this article is half-true, he'll have some tough decisions to make in the next few months.
Very insightful article. Stunning that Poles didn’t listen to his people
Great article. Surprised Ben Johnson wanted to be part of this.
With two years remaining on his contract, The McCaskeys gave Poles a 3 year extension in July 2025. How can ownership be so out of touch? There is a reason the Bears have been mostly irrelevant for decades. It always goes back to ownership.
Start Tyson Bagent. Fire Poles. Trade Williams. Bagent is a Tom Brady intellect and talent. He will take the Bears to multiple Super Bowls. Bears already know Caleb is a bust. Cut your losses. Move 9n. Bagent is the future.
This is an excellent, well-researched article that provides in-depth reporting on both Williams and the problematic system that led to his being a first pick. Of course, sources for topics this sensitive will be anonymous, especially if the team refuses to respond. Readers must make their own determination about credibility. Unfortunately, this article explains so much about the QB's failures in the huddle *in his second year* and his inability to perform for a coach like Johnson. The ultimate proof will be in the pudding. Part II, about Poles and his decision-making process, should be a case study for an MBA class. I can see what's coming in Part III--why this ownership (the American equivalent of royalty) is so bad at providing GM oversight. Maybe Warren will change that equation for them. If this article is half-true, he'll have some tough decisions to make in the next few months.
As a longtime Redskins fan, dating back to Jurgenson Taylor etc and then having lived thru the Snyder years, this article brings both relief and PTSD tremors as well. There’s no doubt in my mind tbat the Snyder regime, if still at the helm, would have traded their entire next two drafts for the rights to this hometown kid in the hope of selling tickets. Good luck Chitown.