The arrival of Chuck Pagano was a welcome relief to many. It was felt the Chicago Bears needed somebody with proven experience to keep what has become a great defense up to their usual standards. Pagano only had one year as a defensive coordinator back in 2011 but is defense was one of the best in the NFL. He’s known for his intelligence, aggressiveness, creativity, and attention to detail.
Former players say he’s always open to new ideas. He wants to press an offense at all times, wearing them down until they break. The way his unit played eight years ago reflects that. If nothing else it should be fun watching how this impacts the Bears defense because they’re going to be a little different from what they were under Vic Fangio.
That said, the changes may not just be on the field. There is a strong possibility that Pagano will aim to bring in assistants of his own choosing to fill out the defensive staff. Ed Donatell is a free agent as the secondary coach so that’s one spot open. Others could follow. Knowing this, are there any names that could join him in Chicago?
One has already popped up on the radar.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Chuck Pagano may bring in Ed Reed to help coach the secondary
Ed Reed is considered one of the best safeties in NFL history. A surefire future Hall of Famer, former Defensive Player of the Year, and nine-time Pro Bowler who retired with 73 career interceptions. So yeah, he knows a thing or two about great defensive back play. As it turns out, according to Dan Pompei of The Athletic, he also has an interest in coaching and may be angling to join his favorite coach, Pagano in Chicago.
Prior to accepting his job with the Bears, Pagano was set to be the head coach of the American Team in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl this week, and Reed was supposed to be his defensive coordinator.
Reed said he would welcome an offer from the Bears.
“I’m a huge fan of Eddie Jackson’s,” Reed said. “He was my guy this year. (Kyle) Fuller over there, Khalil Mack. That was my favorite defense. I thought they’d still be trucking along right now. I love Chicago. have some family out there and some Miami alumni I’m close with. There is a connection there.”
Reed spent one year as a coach before in 2016 under Rex Ryan. It was a brief affair but one can’t say he didn’t have an impact. The Bills defense finished 6th in the NFL against the pass with cornerback Stephon Gilmore reaching his first career Pro Bowl. One thing is for sure. Having that caliber of experience and know-how on the coaching staff can do nothing but help what is already a rock solid Bears secondary.
