Chicago Bears: In-house wild card who could replace Vic Fangio

Right now the Chicago Bears are facing one of their most important decisions as a franchise in several months. How do they replace Vic Fangio?

It’s not an easy question to answer. Fangio was one of the best defensive coordinators in football and a driving force behind that Bears defense that wreaked so much havoc. Now he’s off to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos. An opportunity he richly deserves. At the same time, he leaves his former team in a difficult spot trying to keep the train on the tracks.

The Bears had hoped to make it easy by luring in a top candidate and Matt Nagy buddy Todd Bowles but they were a tick too late as he’d already verbally agreed to join Bruce Arians in Tampa Bay. Now the Bears are left in a holding pattern with a question to answer. Do they continue their search for a qualified outside candidate or do they take a calculated risk by promoting somebody from within?

The obvious options for the latter in most minds would be Ed Donatell. The secondary coach has been excellent during his stint with the Bears and he had prior coordinating experience from Green Bay and Atlanta. However, he’s a free agent this offseason and whispers hint the Broncos would like him to join Fangio in Denver as defensive coordinator.

So if not him, then who?

Brandon Staley is a name the Chicago Bears may want to look at

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When examining the coaching staff as it is, one name that may not elicit much buzz is Brandon Staley. He’s been the outside linebackers coach for the team since 2017. In that time he’s done some pretty good work with the likes of Leonard Floyd, Willie Young, Lamarr Houston, Pernell McPhee, and Aaron Lynch. Not to mention Khalil Mack of course. Still, does this make him qualified to run an actual defense? Well it’s not like he hasn’t done it before.

Staley actually has coordinating experience. From 2013 to 2016, he ran the defenses for both John Carroll and James Madison. Twice during that span, his defenses finished 2nd and 4th in points allowed in the country. They regularly ranked among the best in sacks per game and pass defense as well. Sure, it was in Division III but it was proof that the guy had the ability to elevate a unit to greater levels from where he found it.

There’s also the fact he seems to make a strong impression on players. Both Bradley Chubb and Marcus Davenport met with the Bears before the 2018 draft. Each singled out Staley as somebody they liked.

"“I just remember meeting with the outside linebackers coach (Brandon Staley), having a good conversation with him and going through different things that they did and where he saw that I fit at.”“I met (outside linebackers coach Brandon) Staley. I like him a lot.”"

Staley is only 35-years old there’s the potential for a long-term solution for the Bears here. There is a definite risk given he’d be going from coordinating at lower college level to the NFL, which is a significant jump. Then again he’s had a taste of the pro level for two years now. He might be ready for that next step if the Bears are willing to give him the chance.

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