The Chicago Bears are among the NFL’s oldest franchises, with a history deeply entwined with the league's origins. However, under the McCaskey family's ownership, the team’s story has shifted from one of dominance to dysfunction. This transition highlights the family's lack of football acumen and their prioritization of profits over wins, leaving the fanbase to question whether new ownership is the only solution to the Bears’ woes.
Virginia McCaskey: A Legacy of Loyalty, Not Strategy
Virginia McCaskey, daughter of legendary Bears founder George Halas, inherited the franchise in 1983. While her lifelong association with the NFL is undeniable, critics argue that her football knowledge has not translated into sound decision-making. Virginia, now 100 years old, has entrusted the franchise to her sons, particularly George McCaskey, the team’s current chairman. Unfortunately, this transfer of leadership has been marked by decades of futility.
The McCaskeys’ decision-making has consistently failed, with poor coaching hires and a lack of organizational vision resulting in repeated setbacks. Despite their long tenure, their expertise in football appears limited—a deficiency exacerbated by their refusal to bring in outside professionals with the experience needed to overhaul the team.
George McCaskey’s Leadership and the Decline
George McCaskey, who took over as chairman in 2011, has overseen one of the most tumultuous eras in Bears history. His track record includes failed coaching hires, such as Marc Trestman, John Fox, Matt Nagy, and Matt Eberflus, and frequent changes in the front office. Critics point out that the Bears have struggled to establish a cohesive identity under his leadership, perpetuating a cycle of mediocrity.
Perhaps the most damning evidence of George’s shortcomings is the team’s inability to secure long-term stability at quarterback—a position that defines success in today’s NFL. Even with high draft picks, including recent standout Caleb Williams, the Bears seem to lack the infrastructure to support elite talent effectively.
Business First: The Arlington Heights Deal
One of the most prominent examples of the McCaskeys’ business-first approach is their pursuit of a new stadium in Arlington Heights. While the potential move could boost revenue and enhance the franchise's value, it has done little to reassure fans about the team’s on-field performance. Critics argue that the focus on a new stadium highlights the McCaskeys’ priorities: profits over wins.
The Arlington Heights deal raises questions about the family's intentions. Are they building for a future of football excellence, or simply increasing the team's valuation for a potential sale? This dichotomy is troubling for fans who care about the Bears' legacy.
Toxic Workplace Allegations
Reports of internal dysfunction have also plagued the McCaskeys' tenure. Sources describe a disconnect between ownership and employees, with some suggesting that the family’s leadership style fosters a toxic culture. Allegations of contempt toward staff and an unwillingness to listen to experienced voices in the organization have surfaced repeatedly, further undermining confidence in the McCaskeys’ ability to lead effectively.
A Trail of Questionable Decisions
The McCaskeys’ leadership has been riddled with poor decision-making. From overpaying free agents who fail to deliver (e.g., Mike Glennon and Trey Burton) to questionable trades like the acquisition of Khalil Mack without a supporting cast, the team has struggled to build a sustainable contender. Even high draft picks, such as Mitchell Trubisky and Justin Fields, were squandered due to inadequate coaching and development.
Recent midseason chaos has only added to the turmoil. This season alone, the Bears fired both their defensive coordinator and running backs coach midyear, creating unnecessary instability. Such decisions underscore the disarray within the franchise and its inability to maintain continuity.
Parallels with Successful Ownership Models
Contrast the McCaskeys’ approach with successful NFL franchises like the Kansas City Chiefs or New England Patriots, whose ownership prioritizes hiring football minds and empowering them to make decisions. These organizations invest in strong front offices and coaching staff, creating cultures of sustained success. The Bears, meanwhile, have cycled through coaches and general managers without addressing the systemic issues at the top.
Even teams with recent struggles, such as the Detroit Lions, have turned their fortunes around by hiring forward-thinking executives and coaches. The Bears’ refusal to adopt a similar model reflects a deep-rooted problem in their leadership philosophy.
Can the Bears Be Saved?
Some analysts believe that new ownership is the only way to turn the Bears around. The McCaskeys’ reluctance to cede control to experienced football professionals has limited the franchise’s potential. While the team has occasionally shown flashes of promise—most recently with the drafting of Caleb Williams—such moments are often overshadowed by larger organizational failures.
For a team with such a rich history, the solution seems clear: hire football minds to make football decisions. Whether through a new general manager, a proven head coach, or even a complete change in ownership, the Bears need a fresh start.
The Fan Perspective
Perhaps the most telling sign of the McCaskeys’ failure is the growing apathy among fans. Losing to archrivals like the Green Bay Packers once inspired outrage; now, it elicits resignation. Fans are more critical of the ownership and coaching staff than of their rivals—a shift that speaks volumes about the state of the franchise.
As one critic put it, "If I were an owner of a football team and my fanbase hated my coaches more than our archrivals, it would make me ask questions. But the McCaskeys don’t even know what to ask."
The Path Forward
The Chicago Bears’ legacy deserves better than the status quo. While the McCaskeys’ stewardship has kept the team profitable, it has failed to deliver consistent success on the field. For fans, the dream of returning to the glory days of Halas and Ditka feels increasingly distant.
The McCaskeys must either adapt their approach—bringing in proven football minds and empowering them to lead—or step aside for new ownership. Without such changes, the Bears risk becoming a perpetual cautionary tale in NFL history.
For fans and players alike, the time for accountability is now. Whether through improved decision-making or a complete organizational overhaul, the Bears must find a way to reclaim their identity as one of the NFL’s premier franchises.
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