Everybody thinks they know what the top priority is for the Chicago Bears going into 2018. It’s obvious enough. The team has no credible threats at wide receiver. Mitch Trubisky can’t become a viable franchise-caliber quarterback until he has the tools to do it with. This should be the number one job for GM Ryan Pace right? Wrong. His first job is somehow preventing a Vic Fangio exit from Chicago.
This year represents the last of the veteran defensive coordinator’s current contract. Given how well his unit has played of late, this is a potential disaster in the making. A young defense losing their conductor just when the orchestra was finding their rhythm. Adam Hoge of WGN Radio made it clear.
“This is a very complicated question, as general manager Ryan Pace will either have to extend Fox, let him go, or ask him to coach out the final year of his contract, which is rare in today’s NFL. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s contract is also up at the end of this season, and keeping him needs to be a top priority.”
The question of course is how? So much of this depends on if Fangio even wants to return. That is no guarantee given the hot rumors from last year that he and Fox weren’t seeing eye to eye. It might take a good deal of convincing to keep him in place. All things considered, the Bears have three avenues that give them a chance.
#1: Mo’ Money
It’s unclear what Fangio is making in terms of his actual contract. NFL teams tend to keep that under wraps save for the head coaches. On average though a defensive coordinator makes around $600,000 a year. The good ones do better than that making upwards of $1 million per year. It’s conceivable that the Bears might be able to solve their problem with a simple pay raise. They can make his new contract to where he’ll be the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the NFL.
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It’s not unheard of for teams to hang on to coordinators through head coaching changes. The Steelers did it with Dick LeBeau. The Bears did it with Buddy Ryan. Money is always the bottom line. Fangio can keep a cushy position in Chicago if he wants.
#2: Promotion
This would be the option that holds the greatest likelihood of keeping Fangio in place. It’s no secret the man has wanted a shot to be head coach for years. Many felt he deserved to take over for Jim Harbaugh in 2015 but the team went elsewhere. At age 59 his window won’t be open much longer. No doubt he’d pounce at the opportunity if the Bears offered it.
Fangio is known for his honest, straightforward mannerisms and keen attention to detail. These can be valuable qualities for a head coach though it may be difficult to convince Bears ownership. They tend to like guys who aren’t chummy with the media. See Fox and Lovie Smith for an idea.
#3: Find a coach he’ll serve under
This one could end up being a bit challenging. Not only would the Bears have to find a head coach that is comfortable with Fangio remaining as defensive coordinator, but also a one that Fangio respects and would be willing to stay on for. That could end up narrowing the field of potential candidates, which could prove to be unwise if the Bears are seeking out the right man for the job.
The hope would be that whomever they end up targeting has a full appreciation for Fangio’s reputation and wouldn’t seek to mess up a good thing going on defense.
