Rumor: Packers Haven't Contacted Bears on Vic Fangio
The Packers have yet to contact the Chicago Bears for permission to interview defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, per Milwaukee Journal Sentinel beat writer Tom Silverstein.
Fangio will have the opportunity to interview with both the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins after Chicago’s postseason run ends.
CBS Sports insider Jason La Canfora believes Fangio will "garner legitimate head coaching interest" this offseason. Fangio has been with the Bears since 2015, and interviewed last offseason after the team fired John Fox. He lost out to Matt Nagy and ultimately decided to stay on as the team’s defensive coordinator.
The 60-year-old has coached in the NFL since 1986 – with a brief one-year stop at Stanford under Jim Harbaugh – and draws similarities to Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. Zimmer was 57 before he was hired as a head coach, and much like Fangio seemed to be destined for a career ceiling of coordinator.
Fangio is best known as a coach for his ability to alter his defensive scheme to suit the players on his roster. In San Francisco and Chicago over the past eight seasons, he’s especially done well connecting with players who were considered under-performers and helping them unlock their full potential.
Will the Packers interview Vic Fangio?
NFL teams tend to act fast when hiring a head coach, and the Monday after the regular season ends is known as ‘Black Monday’ thanks to the number of firings.
The Bears clinched the NFC’s three seed in the postseason, and will play a home game this Sunday afternoon against the Philadelphia Eagles. Because Chicago does not have a bye week, Fangio or any other Bears assistants are unavailable per NFL rules to interview for any head coaching positions.
If Chicago were to lose Sunday to Philadelphia, Fangio would then be available to meet with Green Bay or any other team who wishes to hire him. If the Bears advance to the Super Bowl, teams could meet with Fangio in the week after the NFC Championship Game. The NFL gives the two teams playing in the Super Bowl a bye week before the big game.
The Packers have made it known they’re casting a wide net for interviews, and it’s expected Fangio will be interviewed by Green Bay. But for now, no formal request has left Lambeau Field to meet with Fangio.
