Kevin Warren is leaving his post as Big Ten commissioner to become the president and CEO of the Chicago Bears. After it was widely reported early Thursday, the Bears made it official.

Warren and his family reside in the greater Chicago area, which possibly factored into the decision.

The 59-year-old Warren has served as Big Ten commissioner since 2019. Warren notified Robert Jones, the chair of Big Ten council of presidents/chancellors, of his decision according to ESPN.

Warren previously served in the NFL as an executive for the Minnesota Vikings from 2005-19. Warren also held vice president roles with the then-St. Louis Rams (1997-00) and Detroit Lions (2001-03).

Warren succeeded Jim Delany as the 6th commissioner in the history of the Big Ten and the first African American commissioner of any Power 5 program. During Warren’s tenure as Big Ten commissioner, the conference added USC and UCLA, which will join the conference in 2024.

The Bears finished with the worst record in the NFL this season and will have the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft.