Bears GM Ryan Poles to cast wide net in search for new head coach

Speaking to the media Tuesday, general manager Ryan Poles detailed how the Bears will cast a wide net and leave no stone unturned in their search for a new head coach.

“We’ve taken the last month or so to prepare our process,” said Poles, who is leading the search. “We’ve taken time to look back at the past processes to make sure we’re making changes and adjusting so that this is an absolute success. We’ve been in information-gathering mode looking at data research, making countless calls to make sure that we have everything we need to make a sound decision.

“We’re going to cast a wide net. It’s going to be a diverse group. This will be different backgrounds from offense, defense, special teams, college, pro. We’re turning every stone to make sure we’re doing this the right way. We believe that is going to be really, really important. There’s going to be some names that you don’t expect that are going to surprise you because we’re digging deeper than we ever have before.”

In terms of traits in a new head coach, Poles said the Bears are looking for “clear vision, a developmental mindset, really good game management, and obviously a plan to develop a quarterback is going to be a key part of that as well.”

As far as a timetable, Poles said the Bears intend to “move with urgency, but we’re not going to rush the process because we want it to be a sound process.”

The general manager revealed that the Bears will explore all options, including trading draft capital to a team in exchange for their head coach, if they feel he’s the best option.

“We’ll look at all avenues to get the best coach here,” he said.

Poles vowed that the search process will be thorough and successful.

“It’s adding more data to the equation,” he said. “It’s digging deeper with our research. Also knowing the team and where it is right now, knowing it better than I ever have before, that’s important. As you go along, you gain wisdom every single year and every single experience that you go through, and that helps you make better decisions as you go.”

Interviews that Poles conducts with candidates will also include chairman George H. McCaskey, team president/CEO Kevin Warren, director of football administration Matt Feinstein, senior director of player personnel Jeff King, executive vice president of people and culture/chief human resources officer Liz Geist, and special advisor to the President/CEO and chief administrative officer…