With the retirement of Chuck Pagano, the Chicago Bears are once again back on the market for a defensive coordinator. The second time in three years. Head coach Matt Nagy understands this is an important hire. Right now the Bears defense remains the strength of this team. That is where the bulk of the top talent remains. If he can get the hire right, there is a chance the defense can return to top form in 2021.
Thus far the publicly known candidates they’ve interviewed are an eclectic mix. Former Cardinals and Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher is one. Former Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards is another. Then there is Colts defensive backs coach Jonathan Gannon. Speculation is in-house guys like Jay Rodgers and Sean Desai will also get looks.
There is one other name though that hasn’t gone public yet.
It was revealed on Tuesday that the Detroit Lions were expected to bring in New Orleans Saints secondary coach Aaron Glenn as their new defensive coordinator. Many felt this was a strong hire. Glenn is considered a rising star in the coaching community, having mold the Saints secondary into one of the best in the NFL. It seemed like Detroit had him all but locked up, but that isn’t the case. Insider Josina Anderson explained as much.
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I'm told #Saints secondary coach Aaron Glenn is still considering interest from two other teams to be defensive coordinator, in addition to the #Lions, per source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 20, 2021
One of those two teams is the Bears. According to a source, Glenn has been on their shortlist of coordinator candidates since the season ended. He’s highly respected inside Halas Hall. They haven’t given up the pursuit despite the Lions announcement, believing they may still have a chance. It’s not a crazy thought either. Chicago’s defense is significantly more talented than Detroit’s at this point.
If he were able to turn them back into a dominant unit next season, he’d almost certainly be fast-tracked into the head coach market next offseason.
Chicago Bears are right to pursue Glenn
This guy has lived and breathed football for a long time. He also played it at an exceptionally high level too. From 1994 to 2008, he collected 41 career interceptions and was a three-time All-Pro. It’s safe to say he knows what top defensive backs are supposed to look like. He didn’t take long to make an impact as a coach either. Glenn joined the Cleveland Browns as their assistant defensive backs coach in 2014. That same year safeties Tashaun Gipson and Donte Whitner along with cornerback Joe Haden all made the Pro Bowl.
After just two years, the Saints made him their defensive backs coach. His influence didn’t take long to take hold. After finishing 32nd in pass defense his first year in 2016, New Orleans jumped to 15th in his second. This past year the Saints were 5th in pass defense. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore has become a Pro Bowler while fellow youngsters like Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Williams have become capable starters as well.
It isn’t a huge surprise Nagy would be interested.
The Chicago Bears have an extremely talented secondary of their own. Kyle Fuller and Eddie Jackson are former Pro Bowlers still in their primes. Jaylon Johnson was the best rookie cornerback in the NFL this season. If Glenn came in and maximized their talents along with the rest of the defense? His profile would skyrocket.