John Fox Expected to Bring All Star Coordinators to Chicago Bears
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Coordinator
Dennis Allen
Allen may be young at only 42 but he has 13 years of coaching experience in the NFL. Allen was Fox’s first defensive coordinator in Denver before he was lured away to the Raiders head coach. As a bonus, Allen has a link to Ryan Pace, serving as the Saints’ assistant defensive line coach. Allen is known for his creative blitzes.
Mike Smith
The former Falcons head coach is in play for the defensive coordinator job after 7 seasons as their head coach. Despite struggling the last couple of seasons, Smith’s Falcons were 20 games above .500 and made four playoff appearances. Smith is also considered a candidate for Jack del Rio, having coordinated his defense with the Jaguars when JDL was head coach.
Vic Fangio
The former 49ers defensive coordinator is a hot candidate as DC for the Bears as well as the Redskins. His 49ers teams have finished in the top 5 in yards over the last 4 seasons. Unfortunately, Fangio can’t bring some of the 49ers defenders with him, but he will bring that attitude with him.
Mike Nolan
Nolan brings a wealth of experience as a defensive coordinator. He was the Giants DC back in the mid-90’s. He’s been kicking around as a defensive coordinator since between the Redskins, Jet, Ravens and Broncos between a stint as the 49ers head coach. Most recently, he’s been the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.
Jim Schwartz
Say what you want about the a-hole that Schwartz is, but he can coordinate a defense. His Lions were a nasty bunch and the Bears could use some of that. There are some Bears fans that would like to see Ndamukong Suh in the Navy and Orange and Schwartz would be a heckuva recruiter.
Mike Trgovac
The Packers are suddenly and shockingly out of postseason, so their defensive line coach is suddenly available. Trgovac and Fox go way back to their days in Carolina when Trgovac was the D-line coach in 2002 before moving up to defensive coordinator from 2003-2008. Trgovac was experience with both 3-4 and 4-3 defenses and taking him from a division rival would be a boost for the Bears.