The Chicago Bears introduced new president and CEO Kevin Warren on Tuesday, where we got to hear from him for the first time since being hired.
Warren will replace current president and CEO Ted Phillips, who is retiring after 40 years with the organization, this spring.
Warren spoke for an hour, where he discussed a number of important topics, including the Arlington Heights stadium, his expectations for the Bears franchise and why he decided to take the job and leave his post as Big Ten Commissioner.
“Greatness is ahead of us” Warren said. “All we need to do now is go ahead and grasp it.”
Here’s what we learned from Warren’s first press conference:
1
Warren is a breath of fresh air
The immediate takeaway from Warren’s introductory press conference is that things feel different. In a very, very good way. There was a stark difference between Warren’s presser and ones we’ve heard in the past featuring Ted Phillips, who is retiring this year after nearly 40 years with the organization.
It feels like the Bears finally have the right guy in charge, and fans overwhelmingly agreed after watching that press conference. He conveyed high expectations for the franchise and showed an appreciation for understanding every aspect of this organization, from employees to players to fans.
It’s hard to come away from Warren’s first press conference not feeling incredibly excited about the future of the Bears. Granted, we need Warren’s words to translate into action. But, for now, it certainly feels like the Bears found the most-qualified guy.
2
Ryan Poles will report to Warren, but will still be in charge of football decisions
Bears chairman George McCaskey introduced Warren to the Chicago media, where he opened up about the hierarchy within the organization. Specifically how Warren’s hiring impacts the current structure.
When general manager Ryan Poles was hired last January, McCaskey introduced a new structure where Poles would report to McCaskey, not president/CEO Ted Phillips, and Poles would have control over football operations.
With Warren’s hiring, McCaskey said Poles will report to Warren, but he said Poles will continue to have “complete authority” when it comes to football decisions.
3
Warren will officially start in April
Warren will formally begin his stint as the Bears’ new president and CEO in April, he confirmed during his presser.
“In my mind, I’ve already started,” he said.
According to Adam Hoge, Ted Phillips will stay on as president/CEO until Warren officially starts in the spring. Phillips agreed to stay on past his February retirement date as to make a seamless transition from him to Warren. While Warren said he’ll be formally starting in April, he could start before then, noted Hoge.
4
Arlington Heights is the ‘sole focus’
Let’s be honest, one of the big factors for Warren’s hiring was bringing in someone with experience building a new stadium. Warren played an integral role in the creation of U.S. Bank Stadium, and now he’ll lead the charge in the development of the Arlington Heights stadium.
Warren was asked about what he learned during his time helping build U.S. Bank Stadium.
“You need to plan before you start digging,” he said.
Warren said they planned a year before starting to build to make sure things were done the right way.
The city of Chicago has been pulling out all the stops when it comes to keeping the Bears at Soldier Field. But it certainly seems the Bears are ready to break free.
When asked if the Arlington Heights property was the only focus for a new stadium, Warren made it crystal clear.
“Yes, that’s the sole focus right now,” he said. “100%.”
Warren didn’t have a timeline for the Arlington Heights stadium — the Bears still need to close on the property, which is expected this spring — but he said he’d know more in around six months.
5
Warren has championship expectations for Bears
There’s no denying the wave of optimism that Bears fans are feeling heading into an important 2023 offseason. Not only do they have the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, they’re projected to have $118 million in salary cap space (by far the most in the NFL) and they have a franchise quarterback in Justin Fields.
Warren made his expectations perfectly clear during his opening statement: The Bears are going to be championship contenders.
“I came here to win championships,” Warren said. “To win the NFC North. To win the NFC. To win Super Bowls.”
While the Bears haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1985, Warren said he wants the mindset about winning to change.
“Make it OK to talk about winning a championship,” he said.
6
Warren has a good understanding of the Bears
When listening to Warren speak during his press conference, one thing was made abundantly clear: He made it a point to get to know this organization from top to bottom, inside and out.
Warren referenced the importance of relationships, family and building a good culture when it comes to employees and even past alumni, which is something that hasn’t been the best under the current regime.
Warren: "These are the best fans in the NFL. They deserve championships." pic.twitter.com/yv0SeQ7FqJ
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 17, 2023
Warren specifically referenced going to the Bears-Eagles game in December, because he wanted to get a sense of this team from the fans’ perspective. Warren bought tickets, parked in a lot and made the walk to Soldier Field to really understand the fan experience.
It was the first time in 30 years that Warren has attended a game as a fan. And he mentioned Justin Fields’ highlight-reel 39-yard run (which was originally ruled a touchdown) as one of the moments that stood out to him.
“The energy that was there, to hear ‘Bear Down’ being played,” he said. “… These are the best fans in the NFL. They deserve championships.”
7
Why Warren took the Bears job
Warren explained that he took the job with the Bears because of the challenge it presented. He’s a big believer in challenges and said it wouldn’t have been as attractive a job if “it were easy.”
“It’s because of the challenge, the opportunity,” Warren said. “I trust Ryan (Poles), I trust Coach Matt (Eberflus), that we’re going to do things the right way. We’re not going to take shortcuts. We’re going to build an incredible franchise. I came here to win championships.”
Warren: “Greatness is ahead of us." pic.twitter.com/rJ5SFAblZw
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 17, 2023
Warren was quick to note that he didn’t approach the Bears about the opening — they came to him. He said he promised himself he wouldn’t reach out about opportunities unless they came to him, which is why it felt right when the Bears approached him.
8
Warren has a 'strong' relationship with Justin Fields
Warren famously clashed with Bears quarterback Justin Fields during their Big Ten days over COVID-19. But Warren said there’s no issue, and he has a “strong” relationship with Fields.
In fact, Warren admired Fields for stepping up and being the vocal leader of the Big Ten players during that COVID year.
“If I had been in Big Ten at same time (as a player), I would have done the same thing,” Warren said. “My whole goal (as commissioner) was to keep players safe. I have a strong personal relationship with him.”
Kevin Warren on @justnfields: “I have the greatest amount of respect for him.” pic.twitter.com/lL75C4LTau
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 17, 2023
