Lost in Wednesday’s ridiculousness, one change within the Chicago Bears’ organization is happening.
The team is officially looking for a new defensive coordinator:
Congrats on a phenomenal career, Chuck Pagano! Thank you for your passion, dedication & all that you gave to the Bears. Enjoy retirement! pic.twitter.com/0nt4tZTPWP
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 13, 2021
Chuck Pagano announced his retirement on Wednesday. A football lifer, Pagano spent 36 years coaching football at the professional and collegiate level. Pagano, 60, has a lengthy résumé that starts with graduate assistant stints at USC and Miami, had him coaching linebackers and defensive backs at Boise State, East Carolina, and Miami, and running defenses at UNLV and North Carolina. Once he got to the pros, Pagano carved a niche coaching the Ravens’ secondary and serving as their defensive coordinator. And he even got a chance as a head coach for the Colts before wrapping up his career running the Bears’ defense.
Pagano’s statement, which was released through the Bears:
“After 36 years of coaching the game I love, I have decided to retire from the National Football League.
I’d like to sincerely thank the McCaskey family, Ted Phillips, Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing organization. Also, many thanks to the Irsay family and the Colts organization. I am forever grateful to that community and to the support they have always given me both on and off the field. I’d also like to thank all the coaches, players and staff throughout my career. Thank you will never be enough to express my gratitude.
As much as I love coaching, it takes a lot of time away from your family and loved ones. I’m excited to start this new chapter of my life and can’t wait to be able to spend more time with my family. This has been an amazing ride and I have made countless relationships that I will cherish forever.”
And with that, the Bears are looking for a defensive coordinator for the second time since Vic Fangio’s departure in 2019. Perhaps Chicago could promote from within. There are options, including some who coached under Fangio. The team could seek external options, too. Although, I’m unsure how the job will be perceived knowing GM Ryan Pace and Head Coach Matt Nagy are on a short leash. Nevertheless, the job is open.
