Chicago Bears: Vic Fangio Hoping To Build A Buddy Legacy
By Erik Lambert
Buddy Ryan is the gold standard in Chicago Bears history among defensive coordinators, and Vic Fangio is hoping to join that elite class.
Fangio is already a proven coach of course. He’s had success with every team he’s been on dating back to the New Orleans Saints of the 1980s. His San Francisco 49ers units between 2011 and 2014 were some of the most consistently best in the NFL, never ranking lower than 5th in the league during that span. However, he’s now with a team in Chicago that is legendary for its great defenses. He has a chance to cement his legacy among coaches and perhaps even push his career to new heights by doing so.
It’s important to remember that the best defensive coordinators in Bears history not only forged unforgettable legacies in Chicago, they also went on to become head coaches in the league.
Ron Rivera
- Defensive coordinator from 2004 to 2006
- 2005 defense was #1 in NFL
- 2006 defense led the way to Super Bowl appearance
- Became head coach in 2011 for Carolina Panthers
- Won three division titles and reached Super Bowl in 2015
George Allen
- Defensive coordinator from 1963 to 1965
- 1963 defense was #1 in NFL and helped win championship
- Became head coach of Los Angeles Rams in 1966
- Never had a losing season
Buddy Ryan
- Defensive coordinator from 1978 to 1985
- 1984 and 1985 defenses were #1 in NFL
- Won the Super Bowl his final year with team
- Became head coach of Philadelphia Eagles in 1986
- Reached playoffs three-straight years from ’88 to ’90
Everything is in front of Vic Fangio. When the Chicago Bears defense is great, the team wins. When the team wins, other teams take notice. If his ambition is still to become a head coach then his mission is clearer than ever: make the Bears defense great again.
He took a considerable step in the right direction this past season. After finishing 30th in total defense in 2014, one of the worst in franchise history, Fangio managed to get the Bears back to a measure of respectability at 14th overall in 2015. What can he do for an encore? Based on some of the big additions they’ve made this off-season including Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman, Akiem Hick, Leonard Floyd and Jonathan Bullard it’s safe to say plenty.
Fangio may have earned his respect in San Francisco, but he will become a household name if he can revive the Monsters of the Midway.