The Chicago Bears appear to be close to finding a replacement for team president and CEO Ted Phillips, who plans to retire in early 2023 and they’re zeroing in on Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren.
According to ESPN college insider Pete Thamel, Warren is considered a finalist for the job and the process could be wrapped up within the next few weeks.
Sources: Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren has emerged as a top candidate to be the next President/CEO of the Chicago Bears. He’s interviewed in person for the job and is considered among the final candidates. The process is expected to wrap up in the upcoming weeks.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 29, 2022
Warren has served as the Big Ten commissioner since 2020 and has been instrumental in expanding the conference with USC and UCLA set to join in 2024, while also spearheading a new TV deal for the conference. Warren also has been criticized for his handling of the shortened COVID-19 season in 2020 after he initially cancelled the season before bringing it back in October with a reduced schedule.
Prior to the Big Ten, Warren held various front office positions with the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and St. Louis Rams. He’s on the shortlist to replace Phillips, who is retiring after 39 years with the organization, 23 of which were spent as team president and CEO.
The news of Warren’s potential hiring has sent shockwaves across both pro and college football. It could create a massive shift in both sports and fans have mixed reactions on the possible move.