Big Ten to Search for New Commissioner Following Kevin Warren’s Departure to Chicago Bears

Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren will no longer serve in the role following an announcement on Thursday morning that he would take over as the Chicago Bears’ president and CEO. Reports previously linked Warren to the Bears in addition to general interview opportunities in the professional realm.

Warren took over as the Big Ten’s leading man in 2019 just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Warren led the charge for the Big Ten to cancel its athletic calendar at the onset of the pandemic but ultimately opted to play the season without fans in attendance. The initial move was heavily criticized in its handling not only in regards to the decision itself but also the perceived lack of communication between the conference and the affiliated athletic departments.

While commissioner, Warren also oversaw the expansion of the Big Ten from 14 teams to 16 with the additions of USC and UCLA which are set to join the conference in 2024. Warren was also an important part of the new media rights deal worth upwards of $7 to $8 billion, running until the 2029-30 season. The Big Ten released the following statement on Thursday afternoon.

“The Council of Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C) for the Big Ten Conference is grateful to Commissioner Kevin Warren for his valuable service to the conference and its member institutions over the past three years. He has guided the conference with an innovative spirit, a passion for people and exceptional business acumen. Commissioner Warren was pivotal in the expansion from 14-to-16 academic and athletic member institutions and leading the media rights negotiations for the conference. He has been dedicated to building inclusion and equity in the conference while championing mental health and wellness. We thank him for his service and wish him the very best in his new endeavor as the president and chief executive officer of the Chicago Bears.”
 
“The Big Ten Conference remains in a position of strength during this pivotal time in collegiate athletics and its world-class institutions remain committed to providing an exceptional experience for our student-athletes. The COP/C will work with Commissioner Warren during this transition phase and begin a national search for the seventh Big Ten Conference Commissioner.”