Former Chicago Bears coach reveals why he’d be 'shocked' by one major change amid relocation buzz

The Chicago Bears may be closer than ever to leaving Illinois. On June 5, the franchise announced that its board of directors had voted to move forward with plans for a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana. The development immediately sparked debate among fans, not just about where the team might play, but about something much bigger.

If the Bears cross state lines after more than a century in Illinois, would they still be the Chicago Bears? That question reached former head coach Dave Wannstedt, and his answer left little room for doubt.

Former Chicago Bears coach Dave Wannstedt sees one part of the franchise remaining untouched

The Chicago Bears' announcement marked another major turn in a stadium search that has stretched across several years. The team explored Arlington Heights, pushed for a new lakefront stadium in Chicago, and now appears focused on Northwest Indiana after efforts to secure legislative support in Illinois stalled.

Yet despite all the uncertainty, Wannstedt believes the franchise's identity should remain exactly where it is.

Speaking to NBC Chicago following the team's announcement, the former Bears coach dismissed the idea of a name change. "Let's be real about this. The Chicago Bears survived the Great Depression. They survived World War II. I mean, we got to have the Chicago Bears."

For Wannstedt, the name represents more than geography. It represents decades of history, tradition and connection with generations of fans.

His reaction mirrors what many supporters expressed after the news broke. Several fans told NBC Chicago they were disappointed by the possibility that the team would leave Illinois. Others took to social media to ask whether the franchise would keep its name and even whether the famous Bears fight song would need updating.

The discussion comes at a pivotal moment. Bears chairman George McCaskey and team president Kevin Warren said a stadium project in Hammond could unite the broader Chicagoland region and create new economic opportunities. Indiana Governor Mike Braun also welcomed the proposal and praised its potential impact on Northwest Indiana.

Still, significant hurdles remain. The Chicago Bears have not selected a final site. They also need NFL approval before any relocation can move forward. The franchise remains under lease at Soldier Field through 2033, although it has the option to exit early by paying a fee.

What makes the situation fascinating is that the debate has already shifted beyond stadiums and construction plans. Fans are now discussing identity. And while the future address remains unclear, Wannstedt's message was simple: a team founded as the Decatur Staleys in 1920 and known as the Chicago Bears since 1921 should not abandon the name that built one of the NFL's most recognizable organization.