With the Chicago Bears in the middle of a search for a new defensive coordinator to replace a retired Chuck Pagano, it looks like they will also be looking for a new defensive line coach.
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, defensive line coach Jay Rodgers is expected to meet with former Bears linebacker coach Brandon Staley, who was hired as the Los Angeles Chargers coach. Biggs did not specify the specific role, but he may be the defensive coordinator.
Rodgers oversaw some impressive defensive line units and was an integral part of the development of names like Eddie Goldman, Bilal Nichols, Roy Robertson-Harris and Nick Williams, among others.
It was previously reported that passing game coordinator Dave Ragone could be directed to the Atlanta Falcons, where he is the favorite to secure the role of offensive coordinator under new coach Arthur Smith.
Also according to Biggs, Bears’ running back coach Charles London could also be addressed to Falcons.
The Bears are currently looking for a defensive coordinator to succeed Pagano, and have already conducted some interviews. According to The Athletic, Chicago interviewed former Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher, Indianapolis Colts defensive coach Jonathan Gannon and Bears legend Mike Singletary as defensive coordinator this week.
Rodgers, along with security technician Sean Desai, was once considered one of the favorite internal candidates for the position of defensive coordinator, but that does not seem likely now.
Fighting Irish Wire: ND coverage of the USA TODAY network