There’s a new Chicago Bears general manager, and it isn’t Jeff Ireland. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported that the Bears are finalizing a contract with Kansas City Chiefs assistant director of player personnel Ryan Poles on Tuesday; Ireland, the New Orleans Saints director of college scouting and assistant general manager, had also interviewed for the job.
So, for now, Ireland will be staying in New Orleans. He’s been vital in improving their approach to the annual NFL draft, helping the team find star talent in the early rounds while cutting down on draft busts in the later cycles. Having Ireland around to guide that process should help keep the roster loaded and competitive.
That’s doubly important with Sean Payton’s future so uncertain. Payton is reportedly mulling retirement from coaching after a series of challenging seasons, so maintaining continuity in other parts of the organization after his departure would be critical. Assuming he does end up stepping away, that is.
It’s also worth noting that Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is interviewing for the Bears head coaching job on Tuesday — so if he and Ireland were seen as a package deal, that’s now off the table. We’ll keep a close eye on that front as the situation develops.
