With Chuck Pagano officially taking over as the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator, the other known candidate who interviewed for the position could seek employment options elsewhere.
Heard from league sources who expect Ed Donatell to be a top target of Vic Fangio to join Broncos' staff in some capacity. Bears would have to give permission to interview. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) January 12, 2019
Mike Klis of News9.com hears that Denver Broncos Head Coach Vic Fangio is expected to target Bears Defensive Backs Coach Ed Donatell (who interviewed for the Bears’ Defensive Coordinator position) for his staff. Donatell’s role would is undetermined right now, but one would think things are lining up for him to become Fangio’s defensive coordinator. Fangio and Donatell have worked together since 2011 when both were assistants on Jim Harbaugh’s San Francisco 49ers staff. Both joined John Fox in Chicago when Harbaugh was dismissed and left for the University of Michigan.
Should Donatell follow Fangio to Denver or any other new job, it would leave the Bears in search of a new coach for the secondary. Perhaps that coach is already on the Bears’ staff. And wouldn’t that be convenient?
Assistant Defensive Backs Coach Roy Anderson worked with Pagano in Baltimore as a player personnel assistant from 2005-07 and as a defensive assistant from 2008-11, then followed him to Indianapolis to coach safeties from 2012-15. So if Donatell were to leave, at least the Bears would be in good hands with an experienced assistant who has a history with the new DC. And it’s always good to promote from within. It’s a win-win all around.
As for Donatell, Klis points out that the Bears would have to allow permission for him to interview with the Broncos. However, it has been reported that Donatell’s contract is expiring and free agency is on the horizon for the long-time assistant. If Donatell wants to do something other than coach defensive backs in Chicago, then it shouldn’t be long until he is able to talk to Denver or any team interested in adding him as an assistant in some capacity. And with the Pagano officially in charge of the defense, it would make sense if Donatell decides to move on to a new destination.