Chicago Bears have taken a significant step inside Halas Hall, promoting longtime personnel executive Jeff King to assistant general manager under Ryan Poles. The move signals continuity, internal stability, and a reward for more than a decade of steady growth within the organization.
King’s rise has been methodical. After joining Bears as a scouting intern in 2015, he was hired as a full-time pro scout in 2016. Promotions followed: director of pro scouting in 2020, co-director of player personnel in 2022, and senior director of player personnel in 2024. Now, he steps into one of the franchise’s most influential front-office roles.
“We congratulate Jeff on his elevation within our football operations department,” Poles said. “Jeff has earned this promotion through his commitment to our team and his excellence within our operation, as well as the positive impact that he has created throughout our organization. We look forward to Jeff's continued leadership and contributions as we work toward building a sustained winner.”
King, a former NFL tight end who played 108 games with the Panthers and Cardinals, reflected on the milestone.
“I'm super lucky,” King said. “I've been here 12 years. That doesn't happen. When I walked in here 12 years ago as an intern, I didn't think it would go this far, but I've been very lucky and appreciative of this organization because it is special.”
“I am honored to be able to continue representing Chicago Bears organization, and I am thankful and appreciative to George H. McCaskey, the McCaskey family, Kevin Warren and Ryan Poles for their trust and belief in me.”
King replaces Ian Cunningham, who departed to become general manager of the Falcons, and will continue working closely with Poles as the Bears push toward sustained competitiveness.
Stadium debate adds new layer to franchise future
While the front office solidifies its leadership structure, broader questions about the franchise’s long-term home continue to swirl.
Indiana’s Senate recently passed Senate Bill 27 in a unanimous 24-0 vote, backing a proposed $2 billion stadium development near Wolf Lake in Hammond. The vote underscored Indiana’s interest in luring the Bears across state lines. Meanwhile, an Illinois House committee set to discuss an in-state stadium proposal canceled its meeting, highlighting a stark contrast in momentum.
Though no final decision has been made, the juxtaposition of “action versus inaction” has amplified speculation about a potential move.
For now, Chicago Bears’ boldest confirmed step is internal: elevating Jeff King to help shape the roster’s future — wherever that future ultimately unfolds.