The Chicago Bears announced a series of front‑office updates that place experienced scouts and analysts in leadership roles, signaling a strategic shift toward deeper player evaluation and data‑driven decision‑making. The moves come as the franchise seeks to reinforce its talent pipeline and maintain competitiveness in an increasingly analytical NFL landscape.
Leadership reshuffles in player personnel
Trey Koziol, who joined the Bears in 2022 after a decade‑long trajectory that began as a scouting intern for the Tennessee Titans, has been elevated to senior director of player personnel. His career path includes stints as a pro scout in Tennessee, an area scout in Kansas City, and a national scout for the Chiefs before he reunited with former Boston College teammate Ryan Poles in Chicago.
Breck Ackley, a stalwart of the Bears’ personnel department since 2012, was promoted to director of player personnel. Ackley’s expertise was recognized early with a BART award naming him among the NFL’s top 10 scouts, and he previously held the role of director of college scouting before this latest advancement.
Jeff Shiver, a 40‑year veteran of the organization, received a new title of senior executive scout. Shiver’s longevity reflects a deep institutional knowledge that the Bears hope will continue to guide their scouting strategies from a senior perspective.
Analytics and administration expand
Andrea Wright, who arrived in 2023 after stints in analytics at Miami (OH) and Xavier, has been promoted to football administration & analytics manager. After an initial year as a football research associate, Wright’s progression from coordinator to manager underscores the Bears’ commitment to integrating statistical insight into roster construction.
These promotions collectively illustrate a front office that is leveraging both traditional scouting experience and modern analytical capabilities. By positioning veterans like Koziol and Ackley alongside a data‑focused leader like Wright, the Bears aim to create a more cohesive decision‑making process that can adapt quickly to the evolving dynamics of the NFL.