(670 The Score) Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren has emerged as a top candidate to become the Bears' next president/CEO, ESPN reported Thursday. A hire is expected to be made in the coming weeks.
Warren, 59, has been the Big Ten's commissioner since 2020. He previously served as the Vikings' chief operating office from 2015-'19 and their executive vice president of legal affairs from 2005-’14. Warren also worked for the Lions (2001-'03) and Rams (1997-2000) as well.
If hired, Warren would replace the retiring Ted Phillips, who has been with the Bears for the last 40 years and served as president and CEO since 1999.
“We have not set a timeline for announcing Ted Phillips' successor," the Bears said in a statement. "Our search team has cast a wide net, spoken to many outstanding candidates and looks forward to introducing our next president and CEO at the process’s conclusion.”
Among the last tasks for Phillips in his role will be overseeing the Bears' plans for the Arlington Park property.
Warren was present for the Bears' game at the Minnesota Vikings in early October, though it's unclear if he was there in an official capacity. Warren greeted Bears players outside the locker room after the game. He was a pivotal part in the Vikings' planning for U.S. Bank Stadium, which opened in 2016.
Phillips announced in early September his plan to retire at the end of the 2022 season.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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