CHICAGO – Chicago Bears defensive coordinator and former Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano has decided to retire, league sources have told ESPN, confirming several reports.
The Bears are likely to retain head coach Matt Nagy and general manger Ryan Pace, sources said.
Pagano, 60, spent just two seasons in Chicago after a six-year career as head coach of the Colts. He was hired by the Bears on Jan. 11, 2019 to replace the decorated defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who left to become head coach of the Denver Broncos.
In the first season of Pagano, the Bears defense led the NFC in points allowed per game (18.6) and ranked second in the conference in clean fields per game (324.1).
The Chicago defense once again seemed to be the club’s strength in the early parts of the 2020 season, but the group’s performance slowed as the year progressed. Chicago finished the regular season in 15th defensive position and 11th against the pass, as the Bears (8-9) retreated to the playoffs in Week 17.
Chicago was eliminated from the postseason by the New Orleans Saints in a 21-9 defeat Sunday at the Superdome.
In six seasons as head coach of the Colts, Pagano went 53-43 in the regular season and 3-3 in the playoffs.
The fortunes of Nagy and Pace had been uncertain after the Bears lost eight of 11 to end the year and finished 1-7 against the playoff teams in 2020.
Nagy, named NFL coach of the year in 2018, has led the Bears to two postseason beds over the past three years.
Pace has just completed his sixth year as CEO of Chicago.