NFL Combine: Live updates as Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles & coach Ben Johnson speak to the media

INDIANAPOLIS - It's time to scout the future of the Chicago Bears. The 2025 NFL Combine begins on Tuesday. 

First come media availabilities and press conferences on Tuesday, where we'll hear from key Bears decision makers in the morning and afternoon.

Follow along for live updates from general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson as they address the media at the NFL Combine.

Ben Johnson talks Caleb Williams, Bears offense

Johnson said their preparation with players this spring has been about returning to the fundamentals.

"The springtime, not just for Caleb but for the entire team, is we're going to go back to the basics and that's the fundamentals of each position: blocking, tackling, catching the football, running after the catch, ball security. We're going to break it down to the studs and work to develop it from there," Johnson said.

Johnson said he values having a diverse library of mindsets on his staff, particularly on offense. 

"I didn't hire a bunch of my friends," he said.

The first-time head coach praised former Lion running back D'Andre Swift.

"I think very highly of him," Johnson said. "It’ll be fun to start to work together again."

Ryan Poles lays out plan

What they're saying:

Poles opened his remarks Tuesday by sending condolences to the McCaskey family after the death of Bears owner Virginia McCaskey on Feb. 6.

"Anyone that's spent time with Virginia, gotten to know her or learned about her, knows how much she meant to not only the Bears organization but to the community as well," Poles said.

Poles praised the work of Johnson since his hiring last month.

"Our relationship has been outstanding," Poles said. "Everything that I learned about him through the interview process has played out really well in person as well. You can really tell that through the construction of his staff. Very thoughtful in everything that he does. Strategic in terms of the set-up of who he wants and the chemistry in the building and the different personalities and experiences that everyone brings to the group, which is really important."

Poles said there is optimism swirling around the offensive side of the ball.

"These guys are juiced up. It's a totally different feel these days for the group that's in there," he said.

The Bears leadership reviewed the roster to see what changes will need to be made to get the most of their players under the new scheme, Poles said.

When it comes to being active in free agency, Poles said, "the clearer the vision, the more aggressive you can be."

Poles said left tackle Braxton Jones is recovering but didn't have a firm update on him right now. He said the team is monitoring that as they approach potential free agent line additions.

"You build a line with the best five guys," Poles said.

When will we hear from the Bears?

Poles started off with a press conference at 10 a.m. ET. He gave us an eye into where the Bears might look in terms of free agency and in the draft.

Following Poles, Johnson spoke the media at his scheduled NFL Combine media session at 1 p.m. He provided an update on the team needs, as well as where the process of building his offense around Caleb Williams stands.

Where the Chicago Bears stand at the NFL Combine

The Bears made two moves last week in preparation for the combine that give a little insight into what the team might look for.

Gerald Everett and DeMarcus Walker were released, which saves the Bears upwards close to $10 million in cap space but creates a need at tight end and even more of a need at defensive end.

This is on top of the Bears needing an entirely new interior of their offensive line. Center Coleman Shelton, right guard Matt Pryor and left guard Teven Jenkins are all free agents. The team released Nate Davis, who was originally the Bears' starting right guard in Week 1, midseason. 

More NFL Combine coverage

What's next after the NFL Combine?

BearsNFL CombineSports