Grand Canyon University Athletics
GCU alum Warren named Chicago Bears' president/CEO
1/12/2023 12:24:00 PM | General, Men's Basketball
Former Lopes basketball star returns to NFL after nearly 4 years as Big Ten commissioner
The former Lopes basketball player and Tempe, Arizona, native served as Big Ten Commissioner since 2019 and returns to the NFL, where he spent 21 years as an executive with the then-St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings. The final 14 of those years were in Minnesota, where he was a longtime legal executive before becoming the first Black chief operating officer in NFL history in 2015.
Warren, 59, will be the first Black president in Bears history, their first president and CEO hired from outside the franchise and the organization's fifth president in 103 years.
"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 H. McCaskey said in a statement. "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 replaces retiring Bears CEO Ted Phillips after expanding the Big Ten with USC and UCLA, scheduled to join in August 2024, and securing the conference's seven-year, $7 billion media rights agreement with CBS, FOX and NBC."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 fan base 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.
"This is a franchise that is respected in all of professional sports, and I am humbled to be selected as the next President and CEO of the Chicago Bears. I sincerely thank Virginia McCaskey, George McCaskey, the McCaskey family, Ted Phillips and the search team, for the responsibility and trust placed in me to lead the Chicago Bears and deliver championships to Chicago."
Warren was a 2012 GCU Hall of Fame inductee as a 1986 Business Administration graduate who starred on the Lopes' basketball team. He ranks fourth in program history for single-season scoring average (23.3 in 1985-86) and career scoring average (20.0).
Warren also served on the Grand Canyon Education Board of Directors and created a postgraduate scholarship at GCU with his wife, Greta.
Warren worked as a lawyer and sports agent before serving as a vice president for the St. Louis Rams (1997-2001) and Detroit Lions (2001-03). He joined the Vikings in 2005 and, upon becoming the franchise's chief operating officer, led all business interests and construction of a mixed-use venue, U.S. Bank Stadium, with a surrounding entertainment district. The Bears plan to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights with a similar domed structure and surrounding amenities.
We have named Kevin Warren as our next President & CEO.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 12, 2023
Welcome to the Bears, Kevin! 🐻⬇️
