The Chicago Bears took a year too long to fire Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy. Things were just not working out for them here in Chicago. The amount of time they took not to fire Ted Phillips, alright he didn’t get fired, but instead retired, was even worse. The organization should have at least demoted him or given him a different position a decade ago. Well, now, whether it’s the McCaskeys pushing him out or Phillips actually retiring, the family-run team seems to be changing the landscape of the organization.
Let’s first start by pointing out that the team’s three highest-ranked administrators are people of color. Last year, Ryan Poles became the first black general manager in Bears franchise history. Poles had full control of how he wanted the front office to be run and he created an assistant-general manager position for Ian Cunningham. Cunningham is also black. Now, with the hiring of Kevin Warren, the Chicago Bears have their first black President/CEO. It feels unprecedented and helps pave the way for future people of color to follow in similar paths.
The Chicago Bears look to finally be changing their ways
Now, they will still need to produce. Ian Cunningham seems to be well-liked seeing he interviewed for two general manager openings (Arizona Cardinals and Tennesee Titans) and turned the Cardinals down to remain in Chicago. Ryan Poles has done an admiral job tearing the team down to the studs but needs to now find a way to build it back up. Kevin Warren will be in charge of the new stadium build that is likely to take place in Arlington Heights. He has a history of being successful in this regard when he was COO of the Vikings and they built U.S. Bank Stadium.
Something about the moves being made here in Chicago just feels different. Kevin Warren is the first outsider to be named President/CEO of the Chicago Bears. That speaks volumes to me. It tells me that the McCaskeys might finally take a step back and let those who know about football run things. Warren shouldn’t be thought of as just a paper pusher like Ted Phillips was either.
Ted Phillips talks Chicago Bears future and retirement
Ted Phillips answers questions about his time as the Chicago Bears president and CEO, as well as the teams future and his own retirement
Even the hiring of Ryan Poles, my top general manager candidate heading into the 2022 offseason, feels different. He’s taken control and seems to not have anyone looking over his shoulder. With the help of Ian Cunningham, the two have created the youngest team in the NFL from a snaps standpoint, they have a huge amount of salary cap space, the first-overall pick and a total of eight picks in the draft. It’s hard not to be extremely optimistic about this team’s future.