For Chicago Bears' Fangio, it's just another opponent
Two weeks ago the Chicago Bears hosted the Denver Broncos, head coach John Fox's previous team. This week defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's old team, the San Francisco 49ers, are in town.
"I just look back on the four years with the 49ers with really good memories," Fangio said. "We had a nice run there. Got to a Super Bowl. Got to three (NFC) championship games. Won a lot of football games over a four-year period.
"I just look back there with a lot of fond memories."
Much of the 49ers' success was attributable to Fangio's defense. His crew finished in the top five in yards allowed in each of his four seasons. The Niners also were top five in points allowed in each of Fangio's first three seasons and No. 10 in his final season in 2014.
Although Fangio interviewed for the head-coaching job when Jim Harbaugh wore out his welcome after last season, the 49ers decided on defensive line coach Jim Tomsula.
"That's their decision and their choice," Fangio said. "I have nothing to do with that. I've just always accepted it's their decision, their team. They do what they want with it."
Tomsula's team, which was depleted defensively by the expected retirement of defensive tackle Justin Smith and the surprising off-season retirements of linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland, comes in with a 3-8 record.
The defense is 21st in points allowed, 29th in yards allowed.
Meanwhile, Fangio has the Bears' defense playing exceptionally well. In the five weeks since the Oct. 25 bye, the Bears have allowed just 17 points per game, fourth best in the NFL.
They've won three of their last four games, holding their opponent to less than 20 points in each game. Only the Denver Broncos have allowed fewer passing yards.
Fox is quick to credit his assistants, including Fangio, for the team's improved play.
"As I've mentioned many times," Fox said, "it's not a one-man show. You need a good staff. I think we've assembled an outstanding staff - Vic's one of those guys. He's earned that reputation in this league in a variety of different spots.
"He's a good teacher. He puts our guys in the best positions to utilize their abilities. He teaches the game very well in a very good manner. He's proven that in our football league."
Fangio says he has no extra motivation this week against his old team.
"We're 5-6," he said. "All I'm thinking about is trying got get to 6-6."
On paper, that seems extremely doable against a San Francisco team that is 0-5 on the road and has been outscored 71-17, an average of 35-14.
It's debatable how much of an advantage Fangio's knowledge of 49ers personnel will be Sunday. There are only four current offensive starters for San Francisco who were starting at the end of last season.
But Fangio may be able to pass along some information to Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase. Seven of the 49ers' starters were regular starters for Fangio.
"I don't know that it's much of a huge advantage," Fangio said. "Things like this happen every week in the NFL. Sometimes I think you can overdo it and think you know too much and it works both ways.
"Obviously there's a couple coaches there that were with me the past four years there."
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