NEWSLETTER
Between coaching up a Chicago Bears defense to prepare for a potent Philadelphia Eagles offense and preparing to do interviews for open head-coaching positions that could happen as early as Monday, you would think Vic Fangio might be overwhelmed by what’s in front of him.
But in true Fangio form, his focus is on the most immediate task:
#Bears DC Vic Fangio, asked about balancing prep for playoff game and head-coaching job interviews: "I've done zero on that second part. I have enough on my plate coaching these guys."
— Larry Mayer (@LarryMayer) January 3, 2019
It’s a strategy that’s part bold and part admirable, but 100 percent Fangio.
Last year at this time, it was the Bears reaching out to teams who had assistant coaches they wanted to interview for their head coach vacancy. Now, it’s the Bears’ defensive play caller who has piqued the interest of franchises looking for a change of direction. Time flies.
Now, it would be understandable if Fangio wanted to take some time and do some prep work ahead of his coaching interviews. After all, it’s only natural for people to prepare for the while holding another job. But apparently, that’s not how Fangio rolls:
Vic Fangio said he’s done ‘zero’ work to prepare for head coaching interviews next week. ‘Maybe that’s why I’m here,’ he quipped pic.twitter.com/PY7tq3p3XT
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) January 3, 2019
Classic.
Fangio told reporters he was flattered by the interest (Patrick Finley) and said he would handle inquiries other teams have regarding head coach openings when the time comes (Larry Mayer). He also told reporters he hasn’t given it much thought, so much so that he has refused to return phone calls (Bob LeGere). But still … Fangio reportedly has interviews lined up next week with the Dolphins and Broncos. And who’s to say he won’t have more after Wild-Card Weekend comes to an end?
This is all fine and dandy for now, but Fangio will eventually want to get into go-mode and put himself in a place where he’ll knock ’em dead in these interviews. Because even though I (and many others) want Fangio to stay on as the Bears’ DC for as long as possible, a part of me is rooting for a long-time coordinator to finally get a fair shot at running his own team. It’s been long overdue for someone whose résumé is as decorated as Fangio’s.
But hey, if he doesn’t want to prepare for interviews and wants to hang around and run the Bears defense as he sees fit, then more power to him. It’s quite clear that he would be welcomed back with open arms.
