Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren has been hired by the NFL’s Chicago Bears, a somewhat surprising move by one of college athletics’ most-powerful figures.

The 59-year-old Warren will serve as the Bears’ president and CEO, following the retirement of long-time president Ted Phillips. He previously spent more than 20 years in NFL front offices, most recently as Minnesota Vikings COO from 2015-19.

“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,” said Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey. “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 left the NFL for the Big Ten in 2020, after long-time commissioner Jim Delany retired. He was the first African-American chosen to lead one of the NCAA’s Power 5 conferences.

While with the Big Ten, Warren welcomed new members USC and UCLA (who officially join in the fall) and secured the league’s multi-billion-dollar broadcast rights package with CBS, NBC and Fox. However, Warren was widely criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, first canceling the Big Ten’s 2020 football season before the league played an abbreviated six-game regular-season schedule.

“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. “I look forward to building on the rich tradition that started with George Halas and connecting with the unique and vibrant fanbase 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 & 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 will officially take over with the Bears some time in the spring. It was not immediately clear whom the Big Ten might pursue as his replacement.