Snubbed by 49ers, Fangio to lead Bears defense
There might not be a team in the NFL that needs more help on defense than the Bears, and new head coach John Fox took a giant step Tuesday toward recapturing respectability for that group by hiring Vic Fangio as his defensive coordinator.
In each of the last two seasons, the Bears finished 30th in total yards allowed. They also were 30th in points allowed this season and dead-last 32nd in points allowed in 2013.
By contrast, Fangio coordinated the San Francisco 49ers' defenses that finished in the top five in each of the last four seasons. His units ranked fourth, third, fifth and fifth in total yards allowed and 10th, fifth, third and second in points allowed.
Fangio's defenses have a reputation for toughness and physical play, especially against the run. In his four seasons in San Francisco, the Niners finished in the top seven in rushing yards allowed each year. They also were top seven in passing yards allowed in three of four seasons and top three in interceptions twice.
The 56-year-old Fangio was passed over for the 49ers' head-coaching job last week in favor of defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, who was chosen to succeed Jim Harbaugh.
Fangio interviewed with the Bears on Saturday night and then flew to Washington to interview Sunday, and it was incorrectly reported that he would sign with Washington. He has coached 28 years in the NFL, including 16 as a defensive coordinator.
Fangio's defensive preference is a 3-4 alignment, which will require some major personnel tweaking by the Bears, who have traditionally run a 4-3 scheme.
There's an excellent chance that the 2015 Bears will align in both formations and transition to predominantly a 3-4. But Fox, whose teams traditionally have played 4-3, downplayed concerns over schemes.
"Spending 25 years in this league as a head coach or a defensive coach, I think sometimes maybe on the outside, more is made of that than reality," he said. "We're going to put our players in the best position for them to have success, and that's how we're going to earn their respect moving forward, because they know we can help them.
"Whether that's a 3-4 or 4-3 has not been determined yet."
Fangio benefited from Pro Bowl players such as defensive end Justin Smith and linebackers Patrick Willis, Navorro Bowman and Aldon Smith in San Francisco. While the 49ers' defense had to overcome injuries and a suspension in 2014, it remained an elite group.
Bowman missed the entire 2014 season after tearing the ACL and MCL in his knee during the NFC championship game after the 2013 season. Willis was out for five games with a toe injury, and Aldon Smith was suspended for nine games.
Fangio is expected to bring secondary coach Ed Donatell with him from San Francisco.
Before joining the 49ers, Fangio was a defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers (1995-98), the Indianapolis Colts (1999-2001) and the Houston Texans (2002-2005).
He also worked for the Baltimore Ravens as a special assistant to the head coach and linebackers coach (2006-2009). During his tenure in Baltimore, the Ravens led the NFL in total defense in 2006, ranked second in 2008 and third in 2009.
Also Tuesday, Fox tapped the Denver pipeline for three assistant coaches from his Broncos staff, including Sam Garnes (assistant defensive backs), Dave Magazu (offensive line) and Derius Swinton II (assistant special teams).
Five assistants under former head coach Marc Trestman were informed they will not return for the 2015 season, including assistant head coach/special-teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis, defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, tight ends coach Andy Bischoff, linebackers coach Reggie Herring and assistant special-teams coach Dwayne Stukes.
DeCamillis was hired by the Broncos on Tuesday as their special-teams coordinator.
Former Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, who was fired Dec. 29, has been hired for the same position by new Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan.
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