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CHICAGO – Chicago Bears defensive coordinator and former Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano has decided to retire, league sources have told ESPN, confirming multiple reports.
The Bears will likely retain head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace, sources say.
Pagano, 60, spent just two seasons in Chicago after a six-year run as the Colts’ head coach. He was hired by the Bears on Jan. 11, 2019 to replace decorated defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who left to become head coach of the Denver Broncos.
In Pagano’s first season, the Bears defense led the NFC in points against per game (18.6) and placed second in the conference in yards per game (324.1).
Chicago’s defense seemed to be the club’s strength again at the start of the 2020 season, but the group’s performances have leveled off as the year progresses. Chicago finished the regular season 15th in run defense and 11th against the pass as the Bears (8-9) fell into the Week 17 playoffs.
Chicago was eliminated from the playoffs by the New Orleans Saints in a 21-9 loss Sunday in the Superdome.
In six seasons as the Colts’ head coach, Pagano was 53-43 in the regular season and 3-3 in the playoffs.
Nagy and Pace’s fate was uncertain after the Bears lost eight of 11 at the end of the year and finished 1-7 against the playoff teams in 2020.
Nagy – named 2018 NFL Coach of the Year – has guided the Bears to two playoff spots for the past three years.
Pace has just completed his sixth year as Chicago general manager.
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