Ryan Poles, born September 20, 1985, is an American football executive and former offensive lineman serving as the general manager of the Chicago Bears in the NFL.[2][1] A Boston College graduate, he played offensive tackle for the Eagles, blocking for future star quarterback Matt Ryan, and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Bears in 2008 but never appeared in a game due to injury.[1][2][3] After transitioning from playing, Poles began his front-office career as a recruiting assistant at Boston College in 2008 before joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009 as a player personnel assistant.[1][2][4] Over 13 seasons with the Chiefs, he advanced through roles including college scouting administrator, director of college scouting, and executive director of player personnel, contributing to drafts of franchise cornerstones like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill.[1][2][3][5] His work supported the Chiefs' rebuild from a 4-12 record in 2012 to multiple Super Bowl titles.[1] Hired as Bears GM on January 25, 2022, replacing Ryan Pace, Poles quickly traded linebacker Khalil Mack to the Chargers for draft picks, hired head coach Matt Eberflus, and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.[2] He orchestrated trades to secure the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting quarterback Caleb Williams, followed by wide receiver Rome Odunze at No. 9, acquiring Keenan Allen, and signing D'Andre Swift; he later fired Getsy and hired Shane Waldron.[2][3] In the 2025 draft, Poles added tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, and running back Kyle Monangai, bolstering the line with Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson.[2] On July 11, 2025, Poles signed a three-year extension through 2029, underscoring his ongoing leadership in rebuilding the Bears.[2] Married to Katie with two children, Mason and Jordyn, he draws on player and scouting experience for team culture and success.[3][5] (298 words)