The Kevin Warren era is about to begin.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports the Chicago Bears will hire Warren, the Big Ten Commissioner, as their new team president and CEO. Once it becomes officially-official, Warren will replace the retiring Ted Phillips.
UPDATE — It’s officially-official:
The rest of our original post this morning is as follows below…
Yeah, this is a very big deal:
Earlier this week, ESPN 1000’s John Jurkovic shared that “confidence in high” that Warren was about to become the Bears’ next president “before the end of the week.” It’s something we discussed as possibly becoming a reality now that the regular season had come to a close.
Here’s what we had to say about a potential changing of the guard yesterday:
Name, Current Status
Kevin Warren, Big Ten Commissioner (2020-present)
Relevant Experience
Minnesota Vikings Chief Operating Officer (2015-19), Executive Vice President of Legal Affairs & Chief Administrative Officer (2005-14); Detroit Lions Senior Vice President of Business Operations and General Counsel (2001-03), St. Louis Rams Vice President of Football Administration (2000), Vice President of Player Programs & Football Legal Counsel (1997-99) Warren’s résumé resides on the corner of business operations and football. Not just as a power conference commissioner overseeing Big Ten football (and other things), but also in the NFL. Warren’s time with the Vikings, Lions, and Rams could allow him to bring a unique perspective to the Bears’ presidency. At a minimum, Warren should bring fresh ideas because of his past as an executive in the NFL and a power player in the college ranks.
One of the biggest criticisms of Ted Phillips’ presidency was his lack of football IQ. With all due respect for Phillips and his business acumen, there were many times over the years when it felt like it would’ve been nice having someone who had the chops to handle business and football decisions. Should Warren get the gig, it would make sense because he has a background in both.
And that could prove to be a deal-maker in this process.
Warren was a chief executive with the Vikings when they built U.S. Bank Stadium. Considering that the Bears have their hearts set on moving to suburban Arlington Heights to build a stadium on the property that used to host Arlington International Racetrack, hiring someone with experience in that area makes a ton of sense.
This is a huge hire for the Bears. Not just because it is one of the highest-ranking positions in the organization. But also because the job ahead for Warren is a doozy. Taking over the presidency of Chicago’s football team just ahead of a most important offseason and as the franchise positions itself to move to a new stadium site in Arlington Heights makes this an organizational turning point. Here’s hoping Warren is up for the challenge.
Much more info on Warren’s history right here: