Anybody with common sense knows that change is inevitable when a company brings in new leadership. The person in charge will want things done a certain way, likely requiring different people to accomplish. There is no reason to think it will be different for the Chicago Bears. Former president Ted Phillips built an organization that has largely underachieved for over two decades. Those failures were part of why the McCaskey family tabbed Kevin Warren as his successor.
A former top NFL executive and Big Ten commissioner, he has a strong track record for getting things done wherever he’s been. Part of the reason for that is his ability to understand when people don’t belong in certain positions they hold. Sometimes that requires moving them to one that fits their skills. Other times it requires sending them on their way. While nothing has happened yet, there is an expectation in Warren’s inner circle that changes are coming, according to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune.
It may come after he concludes interviewing Halas Hall’s 260+ employees.
“In some organizations, you may have very talented people with their heart in the right place but they’re positioned wrong,” he said.
In those instances, Warren sees a leader’s responsibility to reconfigure.
And in other instances, some folks inevitably will fall by the wayside.
“The heat,” Greta said, “exposes a lot of our infirmities.”
Put another way, in this new job with an NFL team that has been defined by mediocrity for most of the 21st century, Warren knows he has an urgent mission to reprogram parts of Halas Hall.
“This is not for everybody,” Warren said. “And it’s not supposed to be for everybody. When you raise the elevation of the climb, some people naturally slide away.”
Added Greta: “It’s at a certain pace. It’s a constant drumbeat. If you’re not on board, then you’re not with him. You have to be on board. Otherwise, it’s not going to be a good fit.”
Kevin Warren plans to turn up the pressure.
He isn’t doing this to be malicious or anything. This is about raising the standard of excellence in an organization that has been content with only occasional success. The Bears have been trapped in their ways for too long, leaning on tradition rather than seeking new avenues to find an edge in a continuously evolving league. Warren aims to change that. He knows he can’t do it alone. He’ll need like-minded people in the building doing the same. There is a strong chance several of those currently employed won’t be up to the task.
So don’t be surprised if there are some notable layoffs as Kevin Warren looks to restructure everything in the coming months. His primary focus will likely be on the business side, as he seems to trust Ryan Poles with the football decisions. At least for now. Make no mistake. By next April, the one-year anniversary of his taking over, this franchise will have his fingerprints all over it. That will likely include several new faces at positions across the payroll.
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