Report: Vic Fangio expected to return to Bears as Matt Nagy's defensive coordinator

Share

Vic Fangio isn't going anywhere.

According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Fangio will return to the team as defensive coordinator under new head coach Matt Nagy.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that it will be a three-year deal.

Fangio's contract expired Tuesday morning, the same day the team introduced Nagy to the media, and there was plenty of speculation that Fangio could leave for a job elsewhere — including a mention of interest from the rival Green Bay Packers.

But retaining Fangio's services is huge for Nagy and the Bears. Fangio spent all three seasons of the John Fox Era as defensive coordinator and transformed a struggling defense into one of the 10 best units in the NFL, statistically. The Bears ranked in the top 10 in the league in total defense this past season, allowing an average of 319.1 yards per game to opposing offenses. They ranked seventh in the NFL in pass defense, seventh in scoring defense and 11th in rush defense. Those numbers are especially impressive considering the amount of injuries sustained on that side of the ball this past season.

In transitioning from head coach to the next, the consistency Fangio brings to the defensive side of the ball will be extremely valuable, especially for young defenders the Bears have high hopes for like Leonard Floyd, Kyle Fuller, Adrian Amos and Eddie Jackson.

Fangio was one of six coaches interviewed for the head-coaching job that eventually went to Nagy. Prior to joining Fox's staff, Fangio served as Jim Harbaugh's defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers.

Contact Us