Chicago Bears swing for the fences with huge front office hire

The Chicago Bears have found a new team president, and his resume and background in football signify a potentially bright future.

Finally, after 23 years as team president, Ted Phillips is out for the Chicago Bears, and the franchise has found a successor with an impressive resume.

On Thursday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport broke the news that former Big Ten Commissioner and longtime NFL Executive Kevin Warren will now step into the role of president and CEO for the Chicago Bears.

On its face, this should have Bears fans breathing a massive sigh of relief. No more penny-pinching philosophies at a key position in the franchise. Instead, it’s an individual with an aggressive mindset, a background in football, and experience in demanding top-notch facilities.

Warren was instrumental in the Minnesota Vikings getting U.S. Bank Stadium completed to replace the Metrodome. This allowed the city of Minnesota to host Super Bowl LII and the NCAA Final Four, generating revenue. That can’t happen with Soldier Field, but a new stadium in Chicago or Arlington Heights can make that happen.

The Chicago Bears’ decision to hire Kevin Warren signifies a change in the organization and the way they handle football operations.

With over 20 years of NFL experience with the then-ST. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings, Kevin Warren has seen the highs and lows. Furthermore, he has another leadership role in his resume as commissioner in the Big Ten. That background and being involved in football signifies a change in the Chicago Bears.

Additionally, Warren is the first team president outside the Halas-McCaskey family, which should give Bears fans another reason to sigh in relief that it was not someone promoted from within and that the organization is serious about making changes. This season may have been a bad omen, but a bright light has shined.

Success is not guaranteed. The roster needs so much work before anyone can call it a success. That said, the front office staff needed a new leader, and Phillips just wasn’t going to get the job done. His tenure was less than successful. Kevin Warren stepping in automatically brings hope. Hopefully, he can lead the negotiations to leave Soldier Field and move to a modern, fresh facility in Arlington Heights, so the Bears can reap the benefits while also producing a winning football team.