After all, the entire Chicago Bears defense team may be facing a complete overhaul.
First, Chuck Pagano retired as a defensive coordinator for Bears within days of eliminating the playoff. Later, defensive line coach Jay Rodgers was leaving to work for the Los Angeles Chargers. More recently, after a long search no less, Bears promoted security technician Sean Desai to the post of defensive coordinator.
Now, the Bears will be looking for a new coach for external linebackers. By Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Ted Monachino will not return in the next season of 2021.
Ted – no, not THAT Ted – was brought in by Chuck Pagano to fulfill the role of coach of external linebackers after Brandon Staley’s departure in 2019. Before that, Ted had served as DC for Chuck with the Indianapolis Colts. Since 2019 he coached a group that featured Khalil Mack; Robert Quinn (which was a disappointment); Leonard Floyd; and a rejuvenated Barkevious Mingo.
Sean Desai and coach Matt Nagy now have vacancies in the following positions:
- Defensive line
- Security (due to the promotion of Desai)
- External linebackers
It is currently unclear why Monachino was not retained at this time. I admit that general production versus money invested in your position group … was not ideal. Only Khalil Mack, and occasionally other rotating players, provided some kind of quick pass from the edge. Therefore, a change here may be related to performance.
It is also not known at the moment who will be the target for this position. However, Brad Biggs mentioned analyst Bill Shuey as an internal candidate. We’ll let you all know who the guy is as soon as one is found … or if this whole scheme is being turned upside down.