On November 16, 2011 the Chicago Cubs offered Sveum their vacant managerial position. The following day, on November 17, 2011, Sveum accepted an offer to become the new manager of the Chicago Cubs, and was introduced on November 18, 2011, but Sveum was fired on September 30, 2013. His total record with the Cubs in two years was 127-197. On August 16, 2017, Sveum received a World Series ring from the team.