Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ryan Poles

Discover the career path of Ryan Poles, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ryan Poles is the current general manager of the Chicago Bears in the NFL. Before joining the Bears, he spent 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, working his way up to executive director of player personnel. Prior to his executive career, Poles was an offensive lineman.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2003: Attended Boston College

In 2003, Ryan Poles began his college football career as an offensive lineman at Boston College.

2007: Finished playing at Boston College

In 2007, Ryan Poles concluded his college football career at Boston College.

2008: Signed with the Chicago Bears

In 2008, Ryan Poles signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent, but he was later cut from the roster.

2008: Returned to Boston College as a graduate assistant

In 2008, after his brief stint with the Chicago Bears, Ryan Poles returned to Boston College as a graduate assistant and was involved in recruiting.

2009: Hired by the Kansas City Chiefs as a scouting assistant

In 2009, Ryan Poles was hired by the Kansas City Chiefs as a scouting assistant under general manager Scott Pioli.

2010: Promoted to college scouting coordinator

In 2010, Ryan Poles was promoted to college scouting coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.

2013: Retained by the Kansas City Chiefs under new general manager

In 2013, Ryan Poles was retained by the Kansas City Chiefs under new general manager John Dorsey, continuing his career with the team.

2016: Promoted to director of college scouting

In 2016, Ryan Poles was promoted to director of college scouting for the Kansas City Chiefs.

2018: Promoted to assistant director of player personnel

In 2018, Ryan Poles was retained and promoted to assistant director of player personnel under new general manager Brett Veach for the Kansas City Chiefs.

June 9, 2021: Promoted to executive director of player personnel

On June 9, 2021, Ryan Poles was promoted to executive director of player personnel for the Kansas City Chiefs.

January 25, 2022: Named general manager of the Chicago Bears

On January 25, 2022, Ryan Poles was named the general manager of the Chicago Bears, replacing Ryan Pace.

2022: Traded Roquan Smith and Chase Claypool

In 2022, Ryan Poles traded Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens and acquired A. J. Klein, along with second and fifth-round picks in the 2023 NFL draft. He also traded for Chase Claypool.

March 10, 2023: Traded First Overall Pick

On March 10, 2023, Ryan Poles traded the first overall pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for multiple draft picks and D. J. Moore.

2023: Traded Khalil Mack

In 2023, as part of his initial moves as general manager, Ryan Poles traded Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers.

2023: Season Record and NFL Draft

In 2023, the Bears finished the season with the league-worst record 3-14, and secured the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

2024: Drafted Caleb Williams

In 2024, Poles used the draft capital he had gained to refresh the team's roster, drafting Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, and Rome Odunze with the 9th overall pick, while also trading for Keenan Allen.

2024: Disappointing Season

In 2024, despite the influx of talent, the Bears finished with a 5-12 record, leading to the firing of Shane Waldron and Matt Eberflus. Thomas Brown served as interim coach, before the team hired Ben Johnson as head coach.