Ted Phillips, who has served as the Bears’ president and CEO since 1999, will retire in February, the team said Friday.
The Bears have already begun looking for his successor.
Phillips is the fourth president in team history — and the only one not related to founder George Halas. His son “Mugs” Halas held the job, followed by grandson Michael McCaskey. Phillips replaced Michael McCaskey after serving as vice president of operations from 1993-99. he was the team’s controller from 1983-87 and finance director from 1987-93.
“He started out with us as a financial expert,” said Bears matriarch Virginia McCaskey in a statement.