Most of the Chicago Bears coaching staff is under a lot of fire these days. The one man who has managed to escape the hottest parts of the fire is Vic Fangio. His defense, while not perfect has played well in 2017. It ranks 15th in points allowed and 12th in yards allowed through 11 games. Not bad considering a persistent injury plague and an offense that ranks 29th overall.
Fangio is currently the only coach fans are interested in keeping around should the staff get purged at seasons’ end. Some are so desperate to make that happen that they’re demanding he be promoted to head coach over John Fox. As usual the problem is never that simple. One wild card in situations like this is always the man himself. What does Fangio want?
Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog, who has connections to some personnel executives around the league, claims Fangio plans to leave next year when his contract expires. The Bears have explored the idea of making him interim head coach but he’s apparently not interested. I got in touch with Jeff to ask for clarification on the situation. This is what he told me:
Is Vic Fangio not interested in being a head coach if he’s not willing to take the Bears job?
“He is, yes, but I’m told that interest is not in Chicago.”
Did the Bears ever view him as a viable option?
“Yes. He was the interim choice. I’m told he had little interest in that role.”
Is it clear why he feels that way?
“All I can tell you is the Bears have tried to extend him this year and he’s passed. Pace likes him but Fangio is clearly unhappy.”
By itself this information isn’t concrete but it actually gains credence when combined with previous information. Back in January it was reported the San Francisco 49ers had interest in bringing Fangio back. The Bears blocked the attempt as was their right, but rumors persisted that Fangio was interested in hearing them out. That lends weight to the idea he’s not happy in Chicago.
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It also reinforces the original report by Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Tribune that there was friction between him and head coach John Fox. A difference of philosophies being the primary driving force. It makes sense. Fangio and Fox are two very difference coaches. Fangio is a straight shooter known for an obsessive attention to detail. Fox is all about deception and misdirection and focuses more on camaraderie than specifics.
Remember that Fangio was a huge supporter of Jim Harbaugh. If there were ever two coaches who are nothing alike, it’s Fox and Harbaugh. So in hindsight people should’ve seen the rift coming. Add in the losing and it’s easy to understand why Fangio is unhappy.
With his contract expiring and a change at head coach imminent, the odds of him staying were always long. This report makes it feel even more inevitable.
