Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune

CHICAGO — Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson didn’t really know each other when they sat down for their first interview over Zoom in January.

Despite various connections — Poles and Johnson both worked as graduate assistants at Boston College, one season apart — and mutual acquaintances in the football world, they were essentially strangers.

The Chicago Bears general manager and head coach agreed they hit it off pretty quickly.

“When we got on the call and spent time with each other, there was just a vibe to it that was awesome,” Poles said shortly after hiring Johnson.

Seven months later, Poles and Johnson finalized their first 53-man roster this week. They are on the eve of their first season together. Poles believes he has found the coach who will lead the Bea

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