Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Is Kevin Warren the Man for the Job?
Date: November 12, 2025
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola

Overview

In this episode, Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola dive deep into the current status and future prospects of Chicago Bears President Kevin Warren, questioning whether he truly has what it takes to deliver on his promises—particularly regarding the proposed new stadium. The conversation also branches into candid Bears talk, NFL coaching speculation, stories about broadcast personalities, and broader NFL news.

Main Theme

Is Kevin Warren delivering what the Bears need—especially when it comes to the new stadium project—and has his experience in Minnesota translated to success in Chicago?

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Stadium Situation: Are Promises Becoming Reality?

[01:25–09:36]

• Expectation vs. Reality:
  Dan and Matt set the scene with the upcoming Bears @ Vikings game in Minnesota’s gleaming US Bank Stadium—a structure that Kevin Warren once used as a highlight of his executive skills.

  • "That stadium is why he was hired. It’s what he sold to the McCaskeys: his involvement in that building. Everything—the politics, the details.” (Matt, 01:34)

• Illinois Politics & Leverage:
  The hosts highlight the complex political environment in Illinois and suggest that Warren underestimated the difference between Minnesota and Chicago.

  • “Anybody could have explained to him...the difference between the state of Chicago and the state of Illinois...very, very different politics.” (Matt, 04:58)

• Loss of Leverage Due to Timing:
  Dan notes Warren inherited a project already hamstrung by previous Bears decisions.

  • “The Bears purchased the land before they hired the guy to build on the land, taking away any leverage about leaving the city.” (Dan, 05:18)

• Action vs. Optics:
  Matt critiques Warren’s current role as more visible than impactful, focusing on his locker room presence rather than actual boardroom progress.

  • "I don't need you in the locker room. I need you in the boardrooms, in the meeting rooms… I give you a lot of credit for hiring Ben Johnson…Awesome. Now the football’s okay. Step out and take care of this stuff.” (Matt, 07:46)

• Shifting Deadlines & Unfulfilled Promises:
  Both hosts point out the repeated shifting of construction timelines and Warren’s ‘talking out front’ versus real behind-the-scenes work.

  • “He was not the guy behind the scenes that actually got the work done [in Minnesota]…the people he's hired…he didn't hire the people in Minnesota that got the work done. They were there.” (Dan, 05:56 & 08:26)

Kevin Warren’s Locker Room Presence

[06:47–08:17]

• Analysis of Warren’s Visible Leadership:
  Matt describes Warren’s gleeful participation in postgame celebrations and how it distracts from his primary mission.

  • “He loves that locker room. Believe me, he knows where the cameras are.” (Matt, 06:48)

• Memorable Moment:
  The hosts laugh about Warren joining the team chant too early, poking friendly fun at his “camera awareness.”

NFL Coaching Rumors: Giants, Belichick, and More

[12:45–21:15]

• Giants’ Coaching Carousel:
  The hosts discuss the buzz around potential Giants coaching candidates, including Mike McCarthy and Bill Belichick.

  • On McCarthy:
    “You know that he can run an NFL team that he is...probably slightly above replacement level. But there are going to be some maddening tactical failures.” (Matt, 14:08)
  • On Belichick:
    “If it goes bad...I don't want it ending in my organization.” (Dan, 18:25)

• Concerns of Managing Legacy:
  Matt questions whether team owners want the “end of the Belichick NFL time to be with your name attached to it.”

Quarterback News and Concussions

[21:21–23:13]

• Discussion of Jackson Dart’s Injury & Return:
  “It's his fourth one this year. Fourth concussion protocol.” (Dan, 22:07)

• Humorous Anecdote:
  Banter about video game–caused concussions, specifically Wii Tennis, brings levity:

  • “Is Wii Tennis more dangerous than the NFL?” (Dan, 23:13)

Broadcast Antics: Michael Strahan's Scare

[25:30–31:04]

• Behind-the-Scenes Pranks:
  Discussion of a production assistant scaring Michael Strahan live on air and Strahan's angry reaction.

  • "If you want to do that in the office...fine...but to do that live on national television, that's an NFL player!” (Matt, 26:16)

• Potential Career Implications:
  Dan comments on the risk of overreaction and suggests firing someone would go too far.

  • “If someone really loses their job over this, that's way…that's quite the overrated [reaction].” (Dan, 29:39)

Personal Growth & Sobriety in the NFL: The Mike McDaniel Story

[40:23–44:04]

• Mike McDaniel’s Sobriety Journey:
  Hosts share the heartening story of Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel’s intervention—led by Dan Quinn, Kyle Shanahan, and Raheem Morris.

  • “Dan Quinn holds a special place in my heart and my career...He was there at ground zero when I became sober and supported me and gave me the opportunity to continue what I love to do.” (McDaniel, quoted by Matt, 40:27)

• Personal Reflections on Drinking:
  Matt reflects on his own experience with alcohol, offering a thoughtful, empathetic perspective.

  • “Now I'm at a point, Dan, where I'm like, I wish I'd never drank at all.” (Matt, 42:25)

Other NFL News & Quick Hits

[44:04–46:21]

• Jaire Alexander Steps Away:
  The hosts briefly cover Eagles (and former Packers) standout corner Jaire Alexander taking a break from football for mental and physical health reasons.
  • “Never want to presume anything regarding anybody's mental health journey, so I just wish him the best.” (Matt, 45:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Stadium Impasse:
  “He said we must have certainty. We can't go forward without this. That's what he said. And the state legislature and the governor were like, whatever, we're not taking that up.” (Dan, 03:59)

• On Warren’s Skillset:
  “Kevin Warren was the front man…he was not the guy behind the scenes that actually got the work done.” (Dan, 05:50)

• On Locker Room Antics:
  “If you watch Kevin Warren, because the moment Ben Johnson says bears on three, Warren already goes, no, you've got to wait, man.” (Matt, 06:48)

• On NFL Coaching Rumors:
  “But as long as Mike McCarthy still wants to coach and still wants to lead a team into the playoffs and a Super Bowl where I don't think John Fox was quite at that point.” (Dan, 15:07)

• On Belichick in New York:
  “I just…I cannot envision anyone in New York wanting Bill Belichick with that…that entire baggage and group that comes with it.” (Dan, 17:09)

• On Michael Strahan’s Prank:
  “The guy who did it is damn lucky that the all time NFL sack leader didn't punch his lights out or throw him through a wall.” (Matt, 27:28)

• On Mike McDaniel’s Sobriety:
  “He hasn't had a drink since that day.” (Dan, 41:23)

• Self-Reflection:
  “Looking back…I can look at moments in my life where bad decisions were made that impacted my life and alcohol was the root of that issue.” (Matt, 43:00)

Important Timestamps

• 01:25 – Bears-Vikings game as a stadium benchmark; State of the new Bears stadium
• 04:51 – Warren’s misunderstanding of Illinois politics
• 05:50 – Warren’s role in the Minnesota stadium and concerns about his hands-on ability
• 06:47 – Kevin Warren’s locker room persona
• 12:45 – Giants coaching search (McCarthy, Belichick)
• 21:21 – Quarterback injuries, concussions, and humor on video game injuries
• 25:30 – Michael Strahan on-air scare discussion
• 40:23 – Mike McDaniel’s sobriety and NFL coach intervention
• 44:04 – Jaire Alexander’s mental/physical health break

Conclusion

This episode offers a sharp, entertaining, and sometimes poignant look at whether Kevin Warren’s experience and personality are truly pushing the Bears forward. Bernstein and Abbatacola blend fan passion, skepticism, and humor while never shying away from tough questions about leadership, legacy, and life in the NFL. Highlights include cutting analysis of Chicago’s stadium drama and authentic reflections on personal growth and community in football.

For full NFL breakdowns, Chicago Bears analysis, and stories you won’t hear elsewhere—Forward Progress remains a must-listen for every football fan in the Windy City and beyond.