The big story now for Chicago Bears fans after a tough playoff loss is whether insult might get added to injury in the form of Vic Fangio leaving. The defensive coordinator has been such a blessing to the franchise since his arrival in 2015 and his work this season was exemplary. The Bears defense finished #1 in points allowed and takeaways. This success have many believing he could finally become a head coach himself.
If anything it’s a surprise he hasn’t become one already. Fangio has been one of the top defensive coordinators in football for years. What could the problem be? Is it his blunt personality, his defensive background, or his coaching style? It’s hard to know for sure. Still, it feels like this year might be the best chance he’ll get to finally realize that dream.
Except the opportunity doesn’t seem to be strong enough. Initially, he had two interviews lined up with the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos. Things have since changed considerably over the past 24 hours, starting with Miami.
Update on #Bears DC Vic Fangio: The #Dolphins, who requested him and did research, ended up not scheduling an interview with Fangio. So, it’s just the #Broncos for him. Miami, meanwhile, is still slated to interview ST coach Darren Rizzi this week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2019
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Vic Fangio seeming far more likely to stay put in Chicago
Just like that one team is off the table, meaning unless another steps up in the coming days it’s the Broncos or bust. They seemed like the favorite to begin with. That is until an interesting announcement came forward about the status of the interview.
Broncos president Joe Ellis is not with head coach search committee in Chicago-area interviewing Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Ellis returned to Denver after interview with Brian Flores in Providence, R.I. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) January 7, 2019
Here’s the thing. If a team were genuinely interested in hiring a man to become the next head coach of a franchise, one would think the team president would absolutely make sure to be there in person. The fact that Ellis couldn’t be bothered to stick around for Fangio’s chance says a lot. That’s a clear signal the Broncos aren’t serious about him and are likely following through on their commitment.
That is until an update came through.
Broncos contingent was to leave Chicago at noon — now pushed back to 530 — Vic Fangio is getting strong look. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) January 7, 2019
Sometimes all it takes is for the coach to get in the room with the right people and make an impression. Fangio may be known as a bit of a character with a streak of brutal honesty, but that doesn’t change the fact he’s a good coach. He’s also somebody that VP John Elway, who runs the show in Denver, would characteristically like. This is going to get interesting.
