Chicago Bears eyeing Chuck Pagano to replace Vic Fangio
The Chicago Bears are eyeing Chuck Pagano to replace Vic Fangio for defensive coordinator.
The Chicago Bears are eyeing Chuck Pagano to replace Vic Fangio. After Fangio became the head coach of the Denver Broncos, the Chicago Bears were on the hunt to find Fangio’s replacement. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears interviewed Ed Donatell and they view Pagano as the top outside candidate.
ICYMI: The #Bears interviewed secondary coach Ed Donatell for the defensive coordinator position Thursday. Former Indy coach Chuck Pagano is believed to be on their radar and could be the top external candidate. https://t.co/msKCMHHh1U
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) January 11, 2019
Related Story. Bulls: Can Zion Williamson be positionless for Chicago?. light
The Bears defensive coordinator position is a highly regarded job in the NFL, which means that there are many qualified candidates that will be interested in the job. When the announcement came that Vic Fangio was the next head coach of the Broncos, all eyes were on Todd Bowles being the replacement for Fangio.
Since Matt Nagy’s father was Bowles’ high school football coach, the connection was really interesting. However, Bowles joined Bruce Arians in Tampa Bay as his defensive coordinator. Now, the two top candidates are Pagano an Donatell.
Donatell is the defensive backs coach for the Bears, who was interviewed for the defensive coordinator position. He is considered the Bears top in house candidate, because he is familiar with the type of system Fangio utilized when the Bears were a top defensive team in the NFL.
If he receives the job, expect the defensive system to have minimal change, which would make it easier for the players, because they don’t have to relearn a whole new system. According to Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy are looking for a defensive coordinator that has a 3-4 scheme, but would not mind a 4-3 system (a 3-4 scheme consists of three lineman and four linebackers).
Pagano is being considered for multiple jobs around the league including the defensive coordinator position for the Carolina Panthers. Pagano is a top candidate around the league, so it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
dark. Next. Bears: Nothing is guaranteed for 2019
No matter what happens, the Chicago Bears are in a good position to add someone, who will help the continuity of the Bears defense. With the Bears having a top defense in the league, the Bears will have more candidates coming to them.