The Chicago Bears understand what it’s like to look quality coaches right when things are going great. In 1986, beloved defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan left to take over the Philadelphia Eagles. Back in 2016, Adam Gase headed off to Miami after one quality season in Chicago. Now it seems the Bears are in danger of it happening again, this time with Vic Fangio.
This is one of the more curious cases in recent NFL history. Fangio has consistently been one of the top defensive coordinators in football since the mid-1990s. It was a genuine shock that he didn’t garner more interest from teams after his prolific four-year run in San Francisco during which they reached three conference championships and a Super Bowl.
Not that the Bears are complaining. His arrival in 2015 was a major score for the franchise and they’ve been reaping the rewards ever since. However, it seems the 8-3 run to this point led by his superb defense this season has finally drawn attention from NFL teams. At least according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
Vic Fangio has only one obstacle to prevent his leaving Bears
It should be noted that La Canfora’s accuracy has proven shaky in the past. Still, there’s no question that Fangio has made it clear he’s interested in being a head coach. Something he has pursued for some time. It’s uncertain why teams haven’t pounced on him already, but the primary reason now that may keep him in Chicago is simple age. Fangio is 60-years old and will be 61 by the start of next season.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
NFL teams these days are always thinking young, be it with their rosters or with their coaching staffs. Especially the head coach. Not a surprise when guys like Sean McVay and Matt Nagy are having so much success early in their tenures. Hiring older coaches tends to never work out, right?
Not at all. There have been a number of instances where teams hiring seasoned football minds got instant results. Tom Coughlin was 58 when the New York Giants hired him in 2004. He won two Super Bowls. Bruce Arians was 61 when the Arizona Cardinals brought him in. He delivered three winning seasons and two playoff berths.
Last but not least? Marv Levy arrived in Buffalo in 1986 at age 61. He led the Bills to four straight Super Bowl appearances. So it’s not unprecedented for “old men” to find success as NFL head coach. All it takes is for one team to take the chance and Fangio could be gone.
He currently directs the #3 ranked defense in football. A unit that is 2nd against the run and 1st in takeaways. It would be a tough loss in every sense.
