Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ryan Poles

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 18, 2025

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. Before joining the Bears, Poles spent 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, eventually becoming their executive director of player personnel. His career began as an offensive lineman. Poles transitioned into a football executive role, demonstrating his capabilities in player evaluation and team management which led to his current position with the Bears.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2003: Attended Boston College

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

2007: Finished playing at Boston College

In 2007, Ryan Poles completed his college football career at Boston College, where he played as an offensive lineman.

2008: Returned to Boston College as a Graduate Assistant

In 2008, Ryan Poles returned to Boston College as a graduate assistant following the end of his playing career, and was involved in recruiting.

2008: Signed with the Chicago Bears

In 2008, Ryan Poles signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent but was ultimately cut from the 53-man roster.

2009: Hired by the Kansas City Chiefs

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

2010: Promotion 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

In 2013, Ryan Poles was retained by the Kansas City Chiefs under new general manager John Dorsey.

2016: Promotion to Director of College Scouting

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

2018: Promotion 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.

June 9, 2021: Promotion 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: Trades at the Trade Deadline

At the 2022 trade deadline, Ryan Poles traded linebacker Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens, and traded for wide receiver Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

March 10, 2023: Traded the First Overall Pick

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

2023: Traded Khalil Mack

In 2023, Ryan Poles' first significant move with the Chicago Bears was trading Pro Bowl linebacker Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers for draft picks.

2023: Chicago Bears secure first overall pick in the NFL draft

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

2024: Drafted Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze

In 2024, Ryan Poles used the draft capital to refresh the team's roster, drafting Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams and standout wide receiver Rome Odunze.

2024: Disappointing Season and Coaching Changes

In 2024, the Chicago Bears finished with a 5-12 record, leading to the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus. Thomas Brown served as interim head coach, and Ben Johnson was hired as Eberflus' successor.