Chicago Bears Name Big Ten Boss Kevin Warren New President, CEO

CHICAGO — Days after securing the top pick in this spring’s NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears are making another big splash by naming Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren as their new team president and chief operating officer.

The Bears announced that Warren will be the replacement for Ted Phillips, who has spent nearly 40 years with the organization. Phillips announced last year that he would retire in February.

"Kevin is a man of integrity, respect and excellence, all of which are critical core values of the Chicago Bears, and we welcome his perspective and diverse thought to lead this storied organization,” Bears Chairman George McCaskey said in a statement issued by the team. “He is a proven leader who has many times stepped outside of his comfort zone to challenge status quo for unconventional growth and prosperity. In this role, Warren will serve in the primary leadership position of the franchise to help bring the next Super Bowl championship trophy home to Bears fans.”

Warren, who has been the Big Ten’s top executive since 2019, has worked previously in the NFL, most recently with the Minnesota Vikings. Reports surfaced last month that Warren was a strong candidate for the Bears opening. In a statement issued through the Big Ten, Warren was vague about his interest in returning to the NFL, but said that he was focused on Big Ten business.

The Big Ten had two teams, Michigan and Ohio State, in the College Football Playoff, continuing to make the conference one of the nation’s top leagues in college athletics. Warren was instrumental in adding USC and UCLA to the Big Ten, which will add the two West Coast traditional powers in 2024.

Warren also helped negotiate a new Big Ten TV deal, which is worth an estimated $7 billion. But now, Warren is ready to tackle a new challenge and will be part of the leadership along with general manager Ryan Poles tasked with getting the franchise back on track.

"I am honored and recognize the responsibility bestowed upon me to lead the Chicago Bears during this exciting and pivotal time for the franchise," Warren said in a statement. "I look forward to building on the rich tradition that started with George Halas and connecting with the unique and vibrant fanbase in Chicago.

“I join the Chicago Bears with gratitude and drive to carry out and build upon the legacy and spirit of this founding franchise and my predecessors."

With the Bears, Warren will likely take over Phillips' role in getting a new stadium built for the Bears. The team is expected to close on a $197.2 million purchase agreement for the former Arlington Park property early this year as the team eyes a move to Arlington Heights. Meanwhile, the City of Chicago is attempting to keep the Bears on the Lakefront and a developer working with Mayor Lori Lightfoot released a video and new images of a $2.2 billion domed stadium that is being dubbed a “reimagined Soldier Field.”

Warren served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Minnesota Vikings between 2015 and 2019. As COO, he oversaw all aspects of the business operations of the franchise. He joined the Vikings in 2005 and served in various senior leadership capacities for the team. While in Minnesota, Warren played a critical role in all business, financial, legal and operational aspects related to U.S. Bank Stadium and was involved in the design, construction, business, legal and operational components of the stadium which hosted Super Bowl LII.

“Kevin is going to be a tremendous resource and I am excited to get started with him,” Poles said. “In my time spent with him during the interview process, it quickly became apparent his resumé and business acumen will be a powerful asset to helping improve our organization and ultimately reach our goal to be a championship organization.”