Fangio Watch: The Bears Have Not Offered a Contract to Vic Fangio

Yesterday, it was reported that former San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio met with Washington Redskins brass, but left without a formal contract offer. Today, following new Chicago Bears Head Coach John Fox's introductory press conference, new GM Ryan Pace told Chicago Tribune reporter Brad Biggs that the Bears had also not offered Fangio a contract. Both teams remain interested, but neither has offered a contract.

When Fangio left Redskins Park yesterday, he reportedly didn't have any other interviews lined up, but there was interest.  There are still a few teams who do not have DCs that haven't been linked to Fangio...yet.  The Arizona Cardinals lost their DC Todd Bowles when he became the Head Coach of the Jets.  Dick LeBeau is planning to meet with them, but could be brought in as a senior advisor.  The Atlanta Falcons don't have a head coach, but Seahawks DC Dan Quinn is expected to take the job after the Super Bowl.  Former Redskins OC Kyle Shanahan will reportedly take the same job with the Falcons, and Quinn could bring someone on his defensive staff to be his DC with the Falcons.  If Quinn leaves and takes another member of his staff like LBs coach Ken Norton, Jr or DBs coach Kris Richard that leaves a big hole on their staff, and could be an opening that Fangio could take.  The Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders also currently have openings at DC.  The Raiders have reportedly not contacted Fangio about the job, and will be interviewing Eric Mangini among others.

The Redskins wanted to have the DC job filled last week, but Fangio's availability after being passed over for the 49ers Head Coaching job delayed those plans.  San Diego Chargers LB coach Joe Barry was reportedly the candidate they planned on hiring, and he could still be the backup plan if the team can't come to terms with Fangio.  It was reported earlier today that Clancy Pendergast was also interviewed for the position two weeks ago.  The Redskins DC search has led to 7 known interviews for the job, and has been going for almost 3 weeks.

#Bears GM Ryan Pace said team has not offered Vic Fangio a contract to be team's defensive coordinator. Doesn't mean interest is not there.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) January 19, 2015

#Bears GM Ryan Pace said there wasn't an offer made to Vic Fangio to be DC at this time: "We’re talking to a lot of guys right now."

— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) January 19, 2015